As with the planting sites for spring-flowering bulbs, those for summer displays should be equally well prepared – weed free and in particular, well drained. With the exception of Liliums and dahlias, few bulbs require large helpings of organic matter so for the most part the soil should be considered simply ‘friable’.

Elegant is a name often attached to bulbs commonly associated with lilies. Like clematis, the wide range of Liliums that have been cultivated for many years appreciate their roots in the shade and heads in the sun. Pick for the vase as the first bud on the stem unfurls whilst leaving some of the leafy stem still attached to the bulb.

While Liliums have long been known as the queen of the garden, the handsome Hippeastrum could justifiably be called the king. Their blooms, as many as seven florets on a single stem, are particularly striking. The bulbs are ideal for growing in containers and as such make welcome Christmas gifts.

Species Gladiolus cardinalis (rather than the tall florists’ spikes favoured by Dame Edna), is a valuable summer flowering, frost hardy, disease resistant gem for home gardens. Many of its arching stems of red flowers carry white markings on the three lower petals. The creamy white-petalled hybrid called ‘The Bride’ is one of the best known spring-flowering cultivars.

Tall spikes of starry flowers are a feature of  Eucomis, the pineapple lily, for the summer-borne flowers are found in unusual combinations of colour: white and green, purple and green, or pink, yellow and bronze, all based on green. These South African bulbs are somewhat frost sensitive in extreme conditions but otherwise rewarding in the border and exceptionally long-lasting as a cut flower.

Dietes (six white-petalled blooms with yellow splash and violet-blue style branches) have been known to flower for two-three summer months. If the rhizomes are given good drainage in a sunny site the plants will gradually form weed-free clumps. Leave the stems intact after flowering as these will flower again the following season.

Like many plants from South Africa, the hardy Agapanthus or Nile lily, has become a favourite summer bloom for its drought tolerance, adapation to tub culture and not least the cool blues and white of its mop-headed flowers. Miniature varieties are available for planting in rockery pockets and window boxes.