An expert has listed the four best summer-flowering bulbs that are “perfect” for planting during the spring. As the new season begins, proactive gardeners are adapting to life after winter in spite of some recent chilly weather. Calum Maddock of HomeHow has shared some advice that he says will ensure our green-fingered friends attain beautiful results later in the year for their garden. His wisdom will also save you the expense of buying the flowers in full bloom in the summer.

Firstly, Mr Maddock points out that Dahlias come in “a vast array of vivid colours and types”, including pompon, windmill, single-flowered, and cactus-flowered. “They all come with an impressive bloom and look great in both traditional and contemporary garden schemes”, he adds. It is advised to grow dahlias in full sun or partial shade, in borders or large containers.

Begonias are best grown in pots and hanging baskets. They are bright-flowering and produce repeat blooms throughout the summer, and need to be protected from frost. Therefore, if this March poses a risk, Mr Maddock warns, they may be best started in a greenhouse or conservatory. “Most thrive in sun or shade, so they are excellent for providing a bright splash of colour to otherwise dull areas,” he adds.

Lilies, meanwhile, are one of the best summer bulbs to grow for fragrance and for use as cut flowers. “These beautiful flowering plants,” the expert says, “come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and are suitable for gardens both large and small.” He adds that they are “fully hardy plants which can be planted directly outside in spring”.

Finally, peonies “look beautiful in any garden with their large, intricate, and often delicately fragrant blooms”. Mr Maddock adds: “They are easy to grow and tolerate most soil types and aspects. They are also incredibly hardy and can be left in the ground during winter, so planting them this March can leave you with fresh blooms for years to come!”