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
![Café au Lait Dinnerplate Dahlia Flower]()
Café Au Lait Dinnerplate Dahlia is so breathtakingly beautiful that it’s a favorite for special occasions everywhere. Big 6-10„ sumptuous flowers are creamy white blushe...
Learn MoreCafe au Lait Dinnerplate Dahlia Café au Lait Dinnerplate Dahlia Dinnerplate Dahlia Cafe au Lait$22.99Per Bag of 3Café Au Lait Dinnerplate Dahlia is so breathtakingly beautiful that it’s a favorite for special occasions everywhere. Big 6-10" sumptuous flowers are creamy white blushed with shades of pink, peach, and mocha. No two flowers are the same. Cut some of these beautiful blooms, and you’ll have a stunning bouquet.![Dahlia Fairway Spur, Fairway Spur Dahlia]()
‘Fairway Spur’ Dahlia knocks it out of the ballpark with rosy apricot petals that dance in the summer sun. These elegant “dinnerplate” blossoms up to 10&rdquo...
Learn MoreFairway Spur Dinnerplate Dahlia Fairway Spur Dinnerplate Dahlia Dinnerplate Dahlia Fairway Spur$19.99Per Bag of 3‘Fairway Spur’ Dahlia knocks it out of the ballpark with rosy apricot petals that dance in the summer sun. These elegant “dinnerplate” blossoms up to 10” wide will make your summer garden glow, and enhance any garden color scheme, all the way to fall. Plentiful blooms make great cut flowers, so be sure to plant plenty for irresistible bouquets!![Cactus Dahlia Nuit D'ete, Nuit D'ete Cactus Dahlia]()
‘Nuit D’Ete’ Cactus Dahlia packs a punch with dramatic scarlet flowers, cartwheeling like fireworks through the garden. Wake up your flower bed with these prolific ...
Learn MoreNuit D'ete Cactus Dahlia Nuit D'ete Cactus Dahlia Cactus Dahlia Nuit D'ete$21.99Per Bag of 3‘Nuit D’Ete’ Cactus Dahlia packs a punch with dramatic scarlet flowers, cartwheeling like fireworks through the garden. Wake up your flower bed with these prolific flowers – the 5” blooms are just as elegant in your garden as they are in your vase. Good news: the more you cut them, the more blossoms you will have, so be sure to plant plenty for beautiful bouquets. Pollinator and bee-friendly and excellent for cut flowers.![Kelvin Floodlight Dinnerplate Dahlia, Dinnerplate Dahlia Kelvin Floodlight]()
Dinnerplate Dahlia ‘Kelvin Floodlight’ is a huge, bright yellow flowered Dahlia with individual flowers 7 to 8 inches in diameter. These beauties make stunning, long last...
Learn MoreKelvin Floodlight Dinnerplate Dahlia Kelvin Floodlight Dinnerplate Dahlia Dinnerplate Dahlia Kelvin Floodlight$20.99Per Bag of 3Dinnerplate Dahlia ‘Kelvin Floodlight’ is a huge, bright yellow flowered Dahlia with individual flowers 7 to 8 inches in diameter. These beauties make stunning, long lasting cut flowers.
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
![Big News Oriental Lily, Lilium Big News]()
With towering stems and bright white trumpet-shaped flowers, ‚Big News‚ Oriental Lily (Lilium orientalis) adds an elegant presence to the summer garden. With huge flowers...
Learn MoreBig News® Oriental Lily Big News® Oriental Lily Lilium Big News®$13.99 Sale $11.19Sale Price I Save 20%Per Bag of 3With towering stems and bright white trumpet-shaped flowers, 'Big News' Oriental Lily (Lilium orientalis) adds an elegant presence to the summer garden. With huge flowers up to 12 inches across and a sweet, rich fragrance, it’s impossible to miss. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies love the blooms, and they make lovely cut flowers too. It’s easy to grow and deer resistant. Blooming in mid-to-late summer, they will add a sweet surprise to a sunny setting.![Evening Sunset Lily Bulb Collection]()
Our Evening Sunset Lily Collection brings radiant color to gardens all summer long. Star-shaped blooms in deep burgundy red, glowing orange, dusky plum, and sunset pink. These easy-t...
Learn MoreEvening Sunset Lily Bulb Collection Evening Sunset Lily Bulb Collection$38.99Per Collection of 12Our Evening Sunset Lily Collection brings radiant color to gardens all summer long. Star-shaped blooms in deep burgundy red, glowing orange, dusky plum, and sunset pink. These easy-to-grow lilies boast upward-facing blooms that make magnificent cut flowers and attract butterflies and other pollinators to the garden. Richly fragrant blooms perform beautifully in the garden or containers. Collection of 12 bulbs.![Asiatic Lily 'Forever Susan']()
‘Forever Susan’ Asiatic Lily has vivid, deep burgundy flowers highlighted with bright gold and orange. Enriching the summer garden with a profusion of blooms, ‘Fore...
Learn MoreForever Susan Asiatic Lily Forever Susan Asiatic Lily Lilium Forever Susan$11.99Per Bag of 3‘Forever Susan’ Asiatic Lily has vivid, deep burgundy flowers highlighted with bright gold and orange. Enriching the summer garden with a profusion of blooms, ‘Forever Susan’ will bridge the season between spring-blooming bulbs and summer’s blossoms. Lilies are excellent cut flowers and will attract pollinators to your garden.![Pink Oriental Lily Stargazer, Lilium, Oriental Lily]()
Oriental Lily ‚Stargazer‚ is a classic beauty blooming in summer with large fragrant flowers colored with deep pink strips and speckles, giving the flower a the look of s...
Learn MoreStargazer Oriental Lily Stargazer Oriental Lily Lilium Stargazer$14.99Per Bag of 3Oriental Lily 'Stargazer' is a classic beauty blooming in summer with large fragrant flowers colored with deep pink strips and speckles, giving the flower a the look of stars in the sky.
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
![Espresso Gladiolus, Gladiolus Espresso]()
‚Espresso‚ Gladiolus offers some of the darkest flowers available, with sultry deep crimson flowers surrounding pure white stamens. They’ll give a pop of color to a...
Learn MoreEspresso Gladiolus Espresso Gladiolus Gladiolus Espresso$16.99 Sale $13.59Sale Price I Save 20%Per Bag of 15'Espresso' Gladiolus offers some of the darkest flowers available, with sultry deep crimson flowers surrounding pure white stamens. They’ll give a pop of color to a perennial bed awash in lavenders and pinks, or its deep red flowers will shine in front of an evergreen background. Easy-to-grow and sun-loving, hummingbird favorite and deer-resistant Gladiolus make lovely cut flowers too. Plant extra for the vase!![Piet Mohlen Gladiolus, Gladiolus Piet Mohlen]()
‚Piet Mohlen‚ Gladiolus offers softly ruffled white flowers on towering stems. A must-have for a monochromatic garden, cutting garden, or a special sunny spot where they ...
Learn MorePiet Mohlen Gladiolus Piet Mohlen Gladiolus Gladiolus Piet Mohlen$16.99 Sale $13.59Sale Price I Save 20%Per Bag of 15'Piet Mohlen' Gladiolus offers softly ruffled white flowers on towering stems. A must-have for a monochromatic garden, cutting garden, or a special sunny spot where they can show off their height and exquisite blooms. Hummingbird favorites and deer-resistant, they are easy-keepers.![Kemerova Gladiolus, Gladiolus Kemerova]()
Expressing the essence of summer, ‚Kemerova‚ Gladiolus sports luscious ruffled lemon-yellow flowers along 4-foot-tall stems. A striking vertical flower show that will enh...
Learn MoreKemerova Gladiolus Kemerova Gladiolus Gladiolus Kemerova$18.99 Sale $15.19Sale Price I Save 20%Per Bag of 15Expressing the essence of summer, 'Kemerova' Gladiolus sports luscious ruffled lemon-yellow flowers along 4-foot-tall stems. A striking vertical flower show that will enhance your summer garden, 'Kemerova' adds light and harmonizes with other summer flowers. They make great cut flowers, so plant extra for the vase. Easy-care and deer-resistant, the hummingbirds will enjoy the flowers too.![Hardy Gladiolus Nanus Mix, Gladiolus nanus, Hardy Gladiolus]()
These smaller growing Gladiolus are cold hardy to zone 5 (when well mulched for winter). The mixture of pink, white and bi-colored flowers are wonderful at the front of your perennia...
Learn MoreHardy Gladiolus Mix Hardy Gladiolus Mix Gladiolus nanus MixAs low as $19.99 Sale $15.99Per Bag of 25These smaller growing Gladiolus are cold hardy to zone 5 (when well mulched for winter). The mixture of pink, white and bi-colored flowers are wonderful at the front of your perennial border.
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
![Cannasol™ Happy Carmen® Canna Lily]()
Cannasol™ Happy Carmen® Canna Lily has eye-popping hot red, long-lasting, big flowers on a compact plant with lush green foliage. Flowering from May to September, they are easy-ca...
Learn MoreCannaSol™ Happy Carmen® Canna Lily CannaSol™ Happy Carmen® Canna Lily Canna indica Happy Carmen®$19.99 Sale $15.99Sale Price I Save 20%Per Bag of 2Cannasol™ Happy Carmen® Canna Lily has eye-popping hot red, long-lasting, big flowers on a compact plant with lush green foliage. Flowering from May to September, they are easy-care solutions for big summer color. What’s not to love?![Cannasol™ Happy Emily® Canna Lily]()
Cannasol™ Happy Emily® Canna Lily has exotic golden yellow flowers speckled with bright orange are a mesmerizing focal point in the summer garden. Plant Happy Emily in groups alon...
Learn MoreCannaSol™ Happy Emily® Canna Lily CannaSol™ Happy Emily® Canna Lily Canna indica Happy Emily®$19.99 Sale $15.99Sale Price I Save 20%Per Bag of 2Cannasol™ Happy Emily® Canna Lily has exotic golden yellow flowers speckled with bright orange are a mesmerizing focal point in the summer garden. Plant Happy Emily in groups along a border or anywhere you want to draw the eye. It’s a show stealer!![Cannasol™ Happy Isabel® Canna Lily]()
Cannasol™ Happy Isabel® Canna Lily’s cheerful hot pink to salmon petals add the perfect touch of tropical to the summer garden. Easy care, self-cleaning, and long blooming, ...
Learn MoreCannaSol™ Happy Isabel® Canna Lily CannaSol™ Happy Isabel® Canna Lily Canna indica Happy Isabel®$18.99 Sale $15.19Sale Price I Save 20%Per Bag of 2Cannasol™ Happy Isabel® Canna Lily’s cheerful hot pink to salmon petals add the perfect touch of tropical to the summer garden. Easy care, self-cleaning, and long blooming, these compact cannas are at the top of our list for colorful non-stop flowers.![Cannasol™ Happy Julia® Canna Lily]()
A true drama queen, Cannasol™ Happy Julia® Canna Lily is striking with its bold red flowers and dark green foliage burnished with bronze. Compact sturdy plants bloom non-stop spri...
Learn MoreCannaSol™ Happy Julia® Canna Lily CannaSol™ Happy Julia® Canna Lily Canna indica Happy Julia®$18.99 Sale $15.19Sale Price I Save 20%Per Bag of 2A true drama queen, Cannasol™ Happy Julia® Canna Lily is striking with its bold red flowers and dark green foliage burnished with bronze. Compact sturdy plants bloom non-stop spring to fall and are a pollinator favorite too.
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
![Ivory Art Calla Lily, Zantedeschia Ivory Art]()
A sought-after flower for bouquets, Ivory Art® Calla Lily (Zantedeschia) brings sheer elegance to any setting. Pure white chalice-shaped blossoms add a spectacular effect wherever t...
Learn MoreIvory Art® Calla Lily Ivory Art® Calla Lily Zantedeschia Ivory Art®$11.99 Sale $9.59Sale Price I Save 20%Per Bag of 1A sought-after flower for bouquets, Ivory Art® Calla Lily (Zantedeschia) brings sheer elegance to any setting. Pure white chalice-shaped blossoms add a spectacular effect wherever they are planted. Easy-to-grow, deer-resistant, and pollinator-friendly, they make long-lasting cut flowers too. Plant them in a location where you can enjoy the sculptural summer blooms. Lovely in containers too.![Escape Calla Lily, Zantedeschia Escape]()
Lift your perennial bed to a new dimension with ‚Escape‚ Calla Lily (Zantedeschia). The dark, dramatic blossoms almost defy the senses! Deep purple to black blooms make t...
Learn MoreEscape Calla Lily Escape Calla Lily Zantedeschia Escape$11.99 Sale $9.59Sale Price I Save 20%Per Bag of 1Lift your perennial bed to a new dimension with 'Escape' Calla Lily (Zantedeschia). The dark, dramatic blossoms almost defy the senses! Deep purple to black blooms make these stunning plants a striking addition to the summer garden. Plant as a bold focal point or add contrast to your garden border, where they are sure to turn heads. Easy to grow, deer-resistant, and pollinator-friendly, they make long-lasting cut flowers, too. Deer and rabbits avoid them, while butterflies and hummingbirds enjoy their nectar.![Captain Brunello Calla Lily ,Zantedeschia sprengeri Captain Brunello]()
‚Captain Brunello‚ Calla Lily (Zantedeschia) lights up the summer flower stage with fluted apricot-peach blossoms and lightly speckled foliage. Plant them along a path, i...
Learn MoreCaptain Brunello® Calla Lily Captain Brunello® Calla Lily Zantedeschia sprengeri Captain Brunello®$11.99 Sale $9.59Sale Price I Save 20%Per Bag of 1'Captain Brunello' Calla Lily (Zantedeschia) lights up the summer flower stage with fluted apricot-peach blossoms and lightly speckled foliage. Plant them along a path, in a container, or mixed into a perennial bed. Happy in a full-to-part sun location, they make excellent cut flowers and supply enough blossoms for home and garden. Deer and rabbits avoid them, while butterflies and hummingbirds enjoy their nectar.![Lady Marmalade Calla Lily, Zantedeschia Lady Marmalade]()
A perfect garden pick-me-up, ‚Lady Marmalade‚ Calla Lily (Zantedeschia) brings sweet peach color to the summer landscape. Brilliant planted en masse, elegant as a contain...
Learn MoreLady Marmalade Calla Lily Lady Marmalade Calla Lily Zantedeschia Lady Marmalade$11.99 Sale $9.59Sale Price I Save 20%Per Bag of 1A perfect garden pick-me-up, 'Lady Marmalade' Calla Lily (Zantedeschia) brings sweet peach color to the summer landscape. Brilliant planted en masse, elegant as a container garden feature, or fun sprinkled throughout the perennial bed where they will enhance the garden with their unique shape and color. Easy to grow, these striking plants are happy in full to part sun. Deer and rabbits avoid them, while butterflies and hummingbirds enjoy their nectar.
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.
![Starfish Iris, Ferraria crispa]()
Starfish Iris (Ferraria crispa) flowers show off velvety purple spots and dense ruffles, to steal the show in the early spring garden, evoking the star-shaped creatures in tidal pool...
Learn MoreStarfish Iris (Ferraria) Starfish Iris Ferraria crispa$22.99Per Bag of 3Starfish Iris (Ferraria crispa) flowers show off velvety purple spots and dense ruffles, to steal the show in the early spring garden, evoking the star-shaped creatures in tidal pools. This unusual, eye-catching flower with a vanilla scent will attract hummingbird and butterflies. Starfish Iris will thrive in warm zones, and makes a show-stopping addition to container planting in colder zones.![Tigridia, Tiger Flower Bulb Mix, Mexican Shellflower Mix]()
Tiger Flowers (also known as Mexican Shell Flower) are a must-plant for your mid-to late summer garden, with their eye-popping color and exotic patterns. While other flowers are fadi...
Learn MoreTiger Flower Mix (Tigridia) Tiger Flower Mix, Mexican Shellflower Mix Tigridia Mix$17.99 Sale $16.19Sale Price I Save 10%Per Bag of 25Tiger Flowers (also known as Mexican Shell Flower) are a must-plant for your mid-to late summer garden, with their eye-popping color and exotic patterns. While other flowers are fading, our Tigridia Mix will burst with a kaleidoscope of color and pattern. Hardy in zones 8-10, plant as annuals in cooler areas.
![Rioja Spanish Red Bulb Collection]()
The Rioja Spanish Red Bulb Collection features a trio of fascinating bold red flowers. Spectacular petals and dramatic patterns will grace your garden from spring through frost. This...
Learn MoreRioja Spanish Red Bulb Collection Rioja Spanish Red Bulb Collection$60.99Per Collection of 21The Rioja Spanish Red Bulb Collection features a trio of fascinating bold red flowers. Spectacular petals and dramatic patterns will grace your garden from spring through frost. This collection of Aztec Lily (Sprekelia formosissima), Red Tiger Flowers (Tigridia pavonia), and Nuit D'Ete Cactus Dahlia will thrive in warm, full-sun gardens. Collection of 19 bulbs.![Aztec Lily Sprekelia formosissima]()
The highlights of the Aztec lily are its spectacular bold red petals and bright green strap-like foliage. Not true lilies, Aztec Lilies (Sprekelia formosissima) belong to the Amaryll...
Learn MoreAztec Lily (Sprekelia) Aztec Lily Sprekelia formosissima$9.99Per Bag of 1The highlights of the Aztec lily are its spectacular bold red petals and bright green strap-like foliage. Not true lilies, Aztec Lilies (Sprekelia formosissima) belong to the Amaryllis family. Native to Mexico, they love heat. Spring blooming and may re-bloom. Makes a lovely container plant. Cold hardy in zones 8-10. 6-12" tall.
Text and Photos by David Salman.
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