Summer Blooming Bulbs For Beautiful Flowers The First Summer
Summer blooming bulbs are a great way to color up your garden. Most bloom their first growing season, many can be used as annuals (in colder climates) and as perennials in mild-winter climates and many are heat lovers, excellent for use in regions with hot, humid summers. In general, these are a versatile group of bulbs where many years of breeding improvements (done primarily in Europe) have created a kaleidoscope of colors and flower forms.
Learn more about our Most Popular Spring-Planted, Summer Blooming Bulbs:
Dahlia
Originally native to Mexico and Central America, these showy flowers love the heat. Dahlias make outstanding cut flowers and I recommend finding a spot in your garden where you can cultivate a number of different varieties for an unending supply of late summer cuts. Dahlia Dark Angel® Dracula is a compact single-flowered variety that is excellent for container gardens and will bloom all summer with its nectar-rich purple-red flowers. Engage and amaze with Dinnerplate varieties; their huge flowers can be 8 inches across! Many gardeners are unaware that Dahlias can be successfully overwintered in mild winter areas in zones 8 to 10. In cooler zones, they can be dug up and overwintered indoors. Shop All Dahlias
Lilies
These long-lived bulbs can be grown across much of the country, but are at their best in cooler climates. Like peonies, the colder the winters the longer they live. Many of them are quite fragrant, too! We recommend that taller Lilies be planted among other shorter perennials, or plant with lush foliage, to fill in around the base of their tall, thin stems. A beautiful way to add pops of color in the garden. Shop All Lilies
Gladiolus
These South African wildflowers have been breed for generations to increase their flower size and color range. While most Gladiolus are perennial in zones 8 to 10, the dwarf hardy Glads are suitable for zones 5, 6, and 7 making a gorgeous display mixed into perennial beds. The taller, less cold-hardy varieties make superb, long-lasting cut flowers. Plant some future bouquets this spring with a nice mix of tall, large-flowered varieties. Shop All Gladiolus
Canna Lilies
The hotter the better for these sub-tropical beauties, which are native to the southeastern US and Central America. In areas of the country where mid-summer heat and humidity is too much for many flowers, Cannas will thrive. Fast-growing, with vibrant blooms and lush, tropical-looking foliage, by planting Canna Lily bulbs, you’ll quickly get a handsome addition to your garden. Canna Lilies will deliver a summer-long show, with huge, spectacular iris-like flowers. Plant them where you want to draw They can be grown in regular flower beds or large containers with enriched soil and regular irrigation. Or they are excellent bog plants for those of you with ponds and areas with damp, boggy soil. Water often, as Canna Lilies enjoy moist ground, though constant wetness isn’t necessary. Plant them where you want to draw attention, or use their large size to your advantage and create a dramatic Canna Lily screen. Shop All Cannas
Calla Lilies
Not to be confused with Cannas, these South African native plants are unusual and exotically colored. I like to use Calla Lilies in container gardens where their unique flowers contrast vividly with petunias and other common annuals. In the garden, these are vigorous perennials for mild-winter areas (zones 8 to 10) of the southern states where the rainfall is more regular. Best grown in pots in the drier intermountain West and colder climates, but in coastal areas of California, they are a great "no-brainer" perennial. Shop All Calla Lilies
Unique Summer Blooming Bulbs
If you want something you won't find in everyone else's garden, choose wonderful spring-planted bulbs from our 'Unique Bulbs' selection. Easily grown, these flower bulbs will add interest to your garden beds with their unique blooms and rich, vibrant colors. Try Crocosmia, Freesia, Foxtail Lilies, Tiger Floweres, Anemone and more! Shop All Unique Bulbs
Triteleia (Starflowers)
This genus of native bulbs comes to us from the Pacific Northwest. Not well known, these early summer bloomers are easy, long-lived and color-up the garden with their starry flowers in white and shades of blue. Starflowers are a good addition to the xeric (waterwise) garden as they grow well in drier conditions and poorer soils. I've even seen them mixed into beds of cacti!
Stretch your horticultural wings this year and plant some unique summer blooming bulbs. Mixed into container gardens, planted to fill in newly planted perennial beds, or as part of your cut flower garden, these flowers are a great way to enjoy quick-to-bloom summer color.
