Miscellaneous and Unusual Bulbs

For some truly spectacular blooms take a look at Gee Tee Bulb Company’s range of Summer flowering Miscellaneous and Unusual Bulbs. Again we have the old favourites like Cannas, Nerines, Incarvillea and Crocosmia, to the weird and wonderful, such as Arisaema, Eucomis and Hymenocalis.

One of the most popular of our our summer flowering bulbs is Acidanthera bicolour murielae (Gladiolus callianthus). A member of the Gladioli family but bearing little resemblance to its cousins. It has sword-shaped leaves and beautiful white, star-shaped flowers with a burgundy throat. Acidanthera are heavily scented and perfectly suited for cutting. Flowers August-September and can reach 100cm. Plant 6-7cm deep in a sunny, well drained spot.

We have added some really bright coloured Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia) to our selection. Try growing some exotic Calla Mango (bright orange) or Calla Schwarzwalder (deep maroon, nearly black), they are so much easier than you would think. Although these South African bulbs are not hardy, once in bloom they will hold their flowers for months, often lasting into early autumn.

Zantedeschia aethiopica is the plain white form and is the more commonly seen. It is much taller than the other Calla varieties and it is more likely to withstand a U.K. winter, thriving in sheltered areas. It can also be use as an aquatic or marginal plant.

Cannas are a summer flowering necessity for all types of planting schemes. Either standing tall at the back of a traditional flowerbed, growing in large pots or even for adding new dimensions alongside paths and walk ways. For the best results and to encourage earlier flowers, start Canna lilies off in pots in a green house or cold frame. Like many of us, Cannas don’t like the cold. So give them a warm start and their beautiful banana plant like leaves will soon come pushing through the soil with the promise of vibrant flowers following later.

An unsung hero would be Eucomis bicolour or ‘Pineapple Flower/Lily.’ A strikingly different plant for pots or borders. Large glossy leaves, spotted on the reverse, surround the base of the stem which has green and purple flowers connected together to resemble a pineapple. They are not supposed to be fully hardy but mine have remained in the ground undisturbed for years, successfully flowering every August-September.

We have healthy stocks of Galtonia candicans (Summer Hyacinth) after an absence from the market, we can again offer you these splendid blooms. Tall and imposing, Galtonia candicans have waxy white, bell shaped flowers, gracefully running down the upright stems. Another South African bulb, they are only half hardy but will survive the winter if planted deep enough. Supplies are limited so be sure to get your order in early.

If the idea of autumn approaching is not a pleasing thought then now is the time to plant Nerine bowdenii or ‘Guernsey Lily’. These bright pink flowers on top of tall, leafless stems will pop open in late September or early October almost in defiance of the declining weather. Nerine bowdenii bulbs are fully hardy, growing well in pots and happily forming clumps in the ground, which can be divided in later years.

Without spending too much you can plant a sea of colour using either Anemones, Gladioli, Ranunculus or Freesia. We supply all these in mixed colours so if you fancy growing flowers to cut and have in the house look no further. All prefer full sun but a useful tip to get the best from both Anemone and Ranunculus is to give the corms a good soak in a bucket of water overnight before planting.

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Miscellaneous and Unusual Bulbs

Over 40 years experience supplying bulbs to landscapers, parks and private buyers