Complete Gardening
Summer is a time of vibrant gardens and lush landscapes, and what better way to ensure a spectacular display than by planting summer-blooming bulbs in early spring? These bulbs promise months of glorious blooms, transforming your garden into a riot of color and fragrance.
From exotic lilies to cheerful dahlias, each bulb brings its unique charm to your garden. This guide explores 19 beautiful bulbs that are easy to plant and care for, ensuring even novice gardeners achieve a stunning summer show. Embrace the joy of gardening with these delightful additions!
1. Dahlia
Dahlias are the show-stoppers of the summer garden, with their lush flowers and kaleidoscope of colors. Each bloom is like a burst of sunshine, from fiery reds to soft pinks. Their full, layered petals create an intricate design that captivates any onlooker.
Plant them in well-drained soil, and they’ll reward you with a stunning display from mid-summer to the first frost. Perfect for adding height and drama to your garden borders, dahlias are both versatile and easy to grow.
Did you know? Dahlias are native to Mexico and were once used as a food source!
2. Gladiolus
Gladiolus, known for their striking vertical spikes, add elegance to any garden. Their tall, graceful stems burst into a cascade of blossoms in colors ranging from vibrant purples to soft whites. These flowers are a favorite for cutting gardens, bringing height and visual interest to floral arrangements.
To enjoy their splendor, plant corms in early spring in well-drained soil with ample sunlight. Gladiolus are easy to care for and will bloom from mid to late summer.
Fun fact: Gladiolus is often called the “sword lily” due to its sword-like leaves.
3. Lily
Lilies are the epitome of elegance, gracing gardens with their captivating scents and striking blooms. Their large, trumpet-shaped flowers come in hues of white, orange, and pink, making them a versatile choice for borders and beds.
Plant lily bulbs in well-drained soil to enjoy their beauty from early to late summer. These flowers require minimal care and will return year after year, rewarding you with their perennial beauty.
Did you know? In ancient Greece, lilies symbolized purity and were associated with the goddess Hera.
4. Begonia
Begonias are cherished for their vibrant blooms and ability to thrive in shaded areas, making them perfect for adding color to less sunny parts of the garden. Their waxy leaves and vivid flowers come in colors like pink, red, and orange.
Easy to care for, begonias prefer well-drained soil and regular watering. They bloom from early summer until the first frost, providing continuous color.
With their cheerful demeanor, begonias can be grown in containers or garden beds. Plus, they are resistant to pests and diseases, adding to their appeal.
5. Canna
Cannas bring a touch of the tropics to any garden with their bold foliage and vibrant blooms. These striking plants flaunt large, lush leaves and flowers in fiery shades of red, yellow, and orange. Perfect for creating a dramatic focal point, they thrive in sunny locations.
Cannas are easy to grow, requiring well-drained soil and regular watering. They bloom from mid-summer until fall, adding a splash of color and height.
Fun fact: Cannas are not only ornamental but were historically used as a food source in some cultures.
6. Calla Lily
Calla Lilies exude sophistication with their smooth, curved petals and elegant silhouette. Available in shades of white and pink, these flowers are perfect for adding a touch of class to any garden.
Thriving in moist, well-drained soil, Calla Lilies are perfect for borders or container gardening. They bloom from late spring to early summer, offering a prolonged period of beauty.
Interesting tidbit: Calla Lilies are not true lilies but belong to the Araceae family, and they symbolize purity and elegance in floral language.
7. Tuberose
Tuberose is renowned for its heavenly fragrance that fills the garden during summer evenings. With creamy white petals blooming in clusters on tall stalks, these flowers are as beautiful as they are aromatic.
Plant tuberose bulbs in a sunny location with well-drained soil, and prepare to enjoy their scent from mid to late summer. Their fragrance is often used in perfumes, adding a luxurious touch to any space.
Did you know? Despite its delicate appearance, tuberose is native to Mexico, where it has been cultivated for centuries.
8. Crocosmia
Crocosmia’s arching stems and vibrant orange-red blooms bring a fiery energy to the garden, making them a beloved choice for adding a splash of color. Their flowers attract hummingbirds, adding lively visitors to your outdoor space.
Easy to grow, plant crocosmia bulbs in well-drained soil and full sun. They bloom from mid to late summer and are perfect for borders or cutting gardens.
Fun fact: Crocosmia is also known as “falling stars” due to its star-like flowers that seem to cascade from the sky.
9. Freesia
Freesias delight gardeners with their sweet fragrance and delicate, funnel-shaped blooms. Available in pastel shades of pink, yellow, and lavender, they add a gentle elegance to any garden setting.
These flowers are ideal for pots or garden beds, thriving in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Freesias bloom from late summer into early autumn, offering a prolonged period of floral delight.
Did you know? Freesias are native to South Africa and are often used in bouquets because of their lovely scent and lasting blooms.
10. Anemone
Anemones, with their poppy-like blooms, are perfect for adding a burst of color to spring gardens. Their vibrant flowers, available in hues of blue, red, and white, dance in the breeze, creating a lively display.
Plant anemone bulbs in well-drained soil and partial shade to enjoy their beauty from late spring through summer. They are low-maintenance, making them a great choice for busy gardeners.
Fun fact: Anemones are sometimes called “windflowers,” as their name is derived from the Greek word for wind, anemos.
11. Ixias
Ixias, known for their star-shaped blooms, bring a touch of whimsy to any garden. Their flowers, in vibrant shades of pink, orange, and yellow, open wide to greet the sun, adding a cheerful note to the landscape.
Plant ixia bulbs in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, and they’ll bloom from late spring to early summer. These flowers are ideal for borders or as a cut flower in arrangements.
Did you know? Ixias are native to South Africa and are part of the iris family, adding to their exotic appeal.
12. Ranunculus
Ranunculus is adored for its rose-like blooms and extensive color palette. Their double-flowered appearance, with layered petals, creates a lush and romantic vibe in gardens. From pastel pinks to vibrant oranges, ranunculus offers something for every taste.
These flowers thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, blooming from spring into summer. Perfect for cut flowers, they bring beauty indoors as well.
Fun tidbit: Ranunculus is often used in wedding bouquets for its elegant appearance and long-lasting blooms, symbolizing radiant charm.
13. Acidanthera
Acidanthera, or the peacock orchid, is prized for its elegant, star-shaped blooms and subtle fragrance. The white flowers with dark purple centers sway gracefully in the breeze, adding a touch of elegance to any garden.
Plant acidanthera bulbs in well-drained soil and full sun to enjoy their beauty from late summer to fall. Their delicate scent is an added bonus, making them a favorite for sensory gardens.
Fun fact: Despite its name, the peacock orchid is not a true orchid but belongs to the iris family.
14. Allium
Alliums stand out with their spherical blooms that resemble clusters of tiny stars. In shades of purple and white, these flowers rise above garden beds, adding architectural interest and a whimsical touch.
Plant allium bulbs in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, and they’ll bloom from late spring to early summer. They’re low-maintenance and deer-resistant, making them a practical choice for many gardens.
Interesting tidbit: Alliums are part of the onion family, and their blooms are as delightful as their culinary relatives are tasty!
15. Watsonia
Watsonia, with its tall spikes of tubular flowers, brings an air of elegance and grace to garden borders. In shades of pink and coral, these flowers bloom in clusters, creating a striking vertical display.
Perfect for sunny spots, plant Watsonia bulbs in well-drained soil to enjoy their blooms from late spring to midsummer. They’re easy to care for and attract pollinators, enhancing the garden’s ecosystem.
Fun fact: Watsonia is native to South Africa and is named after the British botanist Sir William Watson.
16. Acidanthera
Also known as the peacock orchid, Acidanthera’s delicate white petals and dark purple throats create an enchanting sight in any garden. Their gentle sway adds a feeling of tranquility and allure to your outdoor space.
These bulbs thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, blooming from late summer to early autumn. Their subtle, sweet fragrance is an added delight, making them perfect for sensory gardens.
Did you know? Despite its name, Acidanthera is not a true orchid, but a member of the iris family, adding to its unique charm.
17. Nerine
Nerine’s exotic, spider-like blooms in shocking pink and red are sure to turn heads. These flowers add a splash of color and whimsy to late-season gardens, brightening up borders and containers alike.
Plant Nerine bulbs in well-drained soil and a sunny spot to see them bloom from late summer through autumn. They’re low-maintenance and great for extending the flowering season.
Fun tidbit: Often called the “Guernsey Lily,” Nerine is actually native to South Africa and is named after the sea nymph Nerine from Greek mythology.
18. Sparaxis
Sparaxis, or the “Harlequin Flower,” offers a carnival of colors with its star-shaped blooms. In a medley of reds, yellows, and whites, these flowers create a joyful and vibrant display in any garden.
Plant Sparaxis bulbs in well-drained soil and full sun, enjoying their cheerful blooms from late spring to early summer. They’re ideal for borders, rock gardens, or containers.
Fun fact: Native to South Africa, Sparaxis flowers are known for their striking color patterns and are often used in floral arrangements for their unique visual appeal.
19. Brodiæa
Brodiæa, with its charming bell-shaped blooms in shades of blue and purple, adds a touch of elegance to any garden. These flowers, also known as “cluster lilies,” are perfect for rock gardens or borders.
Plant Brodiæa bulbs in well-drained soil with full to partial sun, and they’ll bloom in late spring, providing months of color. They’re low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them ideal for various garden settings.
Did you know? Brodiæa is native to the western United States and is named after the Scottish botanist James Brodie.