Summer Blooming Bulbs
by High Country Gardens
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) has created a kaleidoscope of colors and flower forms.
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 your kids by having them plant some 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. But I've seen them do just fine in zones 6 and 7 when mulched heavily with 6" of clean wheat straw mulch to keep the ground from freezing.
![Café au Lait Dinnerplate Dahlia Flower Close Up]()
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 blushed with sha...
Learn MoreCafe au Lait Dinnerplate Dahlia Cafe au Lait Dinnerplate Dahlia Dinnerplate Dahlia Cafe au Lait$18.99Per 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.Learn More![Purple Dinnerplate Dahlia Thomas Edison, Dahlia, Decorative Dinnerplate Dahlia]()
'Thomas Edison' is a Dinnerplate Dahlia with huge, deep purple flowers that make excellent bouquets....
Learn MoreThomas Edison Dinnerplate Dahlia Thomas Edison Dinnerplate Dahlia Dinnerplate Dahlia Thomas Edison$17.99Per Bag of 3'Thomas Edison' is a Dinnerplate Dahlia with huge, deep purple flowers that make excellent bouquets.Learn More![Emory Paul Dinnerplate Dahlia Flower]()
Emory Paul Dinnerplate Dahlia is the largest flowering Dahlia we know of, with whopping 12-14" flowers in brilliant deep pink with light pink edges. Standing tall, they are a dramati...
Learn MoreEmory Paul Dinnerplate Dahlia Emory Paul Dinnerplate Dahlia Dinnerplate Dahlia Emory Paul$18.99Per Bag of 3Emory Paul Dinnerplate Dahlia is the largest flowering Dahlia we know of, with whopping 12-14" flowers in brilliant deep pink with light pink edges. Standing tall, they are a dramatic, colorful addition to the summer garden.Learn More![Hollyhill Spider Woman Cactus Dahlia Bulbs]()
Hollyhill Spider Woman Cactus Dahlia looks like a pinwheel in motion with its thin spikey red, white, and pink petals radiating from a lush center. A real show-off, Hollyhill Spider ...
Learn MoreHollyhill Spider Woman Cactus Dahlia Hollyhill Spider Woman Cactus Dahlia Cactus Dahlia Hollyhill Spider Woman$17.99Per Bag of 3Hollyhill Spider Woman Cactus Dahlia looks like a pinwheel in motion with its thin spikey red, white, and pink petals radiating from a lush center. A real show-off, Hollyhill Spider Woman Dahlia blooms from June ‘til frost with plentiful 6" flowers.Learn More
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. And many of them are quite fragrant. I recommend that the taller lilies be planted in among other shorter perennials to fill in around the base of their tall, lanky stems.
![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, ‘Forever Susan’...
Learn MoreForever Susan Asiatic Lily Forever Susan Asiatic Lily Lilium Forever Susan$10.99Per 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.Learn More![Asiatic Lily 'Landini']()
Elegant and unique, ‘Landini’ Asiatic Lily will fill the early summer garden with deep purple star-like flowers. These dramatic flowers add the perfect mystery to a garden bed or...
Learn MoreLandini Asiatic Lily Landini Asiatic Lily Lilium Landini$11.99Per Bag of 3Elegant and unique, ‘Landini’ Asiatic Lily will fill the early summer garden with deep purple star-like flowers. These dramatic flowers add the perfect mystery to a garden bed or cut flower arrangement, sometimes looking like shadows, sometimes like a jewel-tone treasure. The deep color can contrast with bright summer flowers, or blend beautifully with other lilies. An easy-to-grow favorite loved by both gardeners and pollinators!Learn More![Red Asiatic Lily Black Out, Lilium, Asiatic Lily]()
Asiatic Lily 'Black Out' has large deep red flowers that bring an exotic glow to the garden and make superb bouquets....
Learn MoreBlack Out Asiatic Lily Black Out Asiatic Lily Lilium Black Out$9.99Per Bag of 3Asiatic Lily 'Black Out' has large deep red flowers that bring an exotic glow to the garden and make superb bouquets.Learn More![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 stars in the ...
Learn MoreStargazer Oriental Lily Stargazer Oriental Lily Lilium Stargazer$10.99Per 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.Learn More
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 an 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. 'Purple Flora' and 'Raven' are especially striking with their dark, richly colored flowers.
![White Prosperity Gladiolus]()
Like snowfall in summer, White Prosperity Gladiolus brightens the summer garden with plentiful pure-white flowers on tall stately stalks. Breathtaking 4" flowers growing up to 5 ft. ...
Learn MoreWhite Prosperity Gladiolus White Prosperity Gladiolus Gladiolus White ProsperityRegular Price $12.99 Sale $10.39You save: 20%Per Bag of 15Like snowfall in summer, White Prosperity Gladiolus brightens the summer garden with plentiful pure-white flowers on tall stately stalks. Breathtaking 4" flowers growing up to 5 ft. tall make White Prosperity an essential addition to the summer garden.Learn More![Black Beauty Gladiolus Flowers]()
Black Beauty Gladiolus (Gladiolus x hortulanus ‘Black Beauty’) rules the summer garden like a queen with its deep red, velvety spikes of flowers. Appearing almost black, they shi...
Learn MoreBlack Beauty Gladiolus Black Beauty Gladiolus Gladiolus Black BeautyRegular Price $13.99 Sale $11.19You save: 20%Per Bag of 15Black Beauty Gladiolus (Gladiolus x hortulanus ‘Black Beauty’) rules the summer garden like a queen with its deep red, velvety spikes of flowers. Appearing almost black, they shimmer in the summer sun, lending a vertical elegance to a garden bed. Plant with white Gladiolus for a dramatic effect.Learn More![Gladiolus Parrot Mix, Gladiolus, Large Flowering Gladiolus]()
Native to South Africa, this hybrid mix of multi-colored beauties with contrasting edges, throats and blended shades is spectacular. Grow your own cut flower bouquets. Cold hardy in ...
Learn MoreParrot Gladiolus Mix Parrot Gladiolus Mix Gladiolus Parrot MixRegular Price $15.99 Sale $12.79You save: 20%Per Bag of 25Native to South Africa, this hybrid mix of multi-colored beauties with contrasting edges, throats and blended shades is spectacular. Grow your own cut flower bouquets. Cold hardy in zones 8-10. In colder zones lift the bulbs in fall and store in a cool place over the winter.Learn More![Gladiolus Plum Tart (Bulb), Purple Gladiolus, Hot Pink Gladiolus]()
Give Gladiolus ‘Plum Tart’ a try and you’ll be glad you did. Dramatic magenta-purple flowers fill the tall stems of this hardy plant and combined with its sword-like foliage yo...
Learn MorePlum Tart Gladiolus Plum Tart Gladiolus Gladiolus Plum TartRegular Price $10.99 Sale $8.79You save: 20%Per Bag of 15Learn MoreGive Gladiolus ‘Plum Tart’ a try and you’ll be glad you did. Dramatic magenta-purple flowers fill the tall stems of this hardy plant and combined with its sword-like foliage you have a combo of intense summer color and strong vertical elements, giving your summer garden a fresh chapter. Easy-to-grow, Gladiolus ‘Plum Tart’ is 36-44 inches tall making it perfect for a perennial bed or as a key element in a cutting garden. Hardy in zones 8-11, they can be grown in cooler zones as annuals.
Canna Lilies
The hotter the better for these sub-tropical beauties. 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, 3-4 foot 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. 'Tropicanna' and 'Tropicanna Black' are especially showy grown in pots with their large, showy tiger-striped leaves. 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.
![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® Canny Lily Canna indica Happy Carmen®Regular Price $15.99 Sale $12.79You 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?Learn More![Cannasol™ Happy Cleo® Canna Lily]()
Cannasol™ Happy Cleo® Canna Lily, with its colorful orange flowers will keep you in tropical color from May to September. Golden throats open to speckled orange petals and the flo...
Learn MoreCannaSol™ Happy Cleo® Canna Lily CannaSol™ Happy Cleo® Canna Lily Canna indica Happy Cleo®Regular Price $15.99 Sale $12.79You save: 20%Per Bag of 2Cannasol™ Happy Cleo® Canna Lily, with its colorful orange flowers will keep you in tropical color from May to September. Golden throats open to speckled orange petals and the flowers just keep on coming. Pollinator favorite and it repels deer too.Learn More![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®Regular Price $15.99 Sale $12.79You 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!Learn More![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, thes...
Learn MoreCannaSol™ Happy Isabel® Canna Lily CannaSol™ Happy Isabel® Canna Lily Canna indica Happy Isabel®Regular Price $15.99 Sale $12.79You 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.Learn More
Calla Lilies
Not to be confused with Canna lilies (above), 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. Pair up nearly black 'Black Forest' with the glowing golden 'Best Gold' for a dramatic potted combination. In the garden, these are vigorous perennials for mild-winter areas (zones 8 to 10) of the southern states where the rainfall is more ample. I've not had much success with them in the ground in arid climates. I think they are best grown in pots in the drier intermountain West. But in coastal areas of California, they are a great, "no-brainer" perennial.
![Yellow Calla Lily Best Gold, Zantedeschia, Calla Lily]()
'Best Gold' is a deep golden yellow Calla Lily that blooms in mid-summer....
Learn MoreBest Gold Calla Lily Best Gold Calla Lily Zantedeschia Best GoldRegular Price $9.99 Sale $7.99You save: 20%Per Bag of 1'Best Gold' is a deep golden yellow Calla Lily that blooms in mid-summer.Learn More![White Calla Lily Albomaculata, Zantedeschia, Calla Lily]()
Calla Lily Albomaculata is a classic, creamy white Calla Lily and looks stunning in the garden or a bouquet. Sometimes called the Florist's Calla Lily, this variety reaches a height ...
Learn MoreFlorist's White Calla Lily Florist's White Calla Lily Zantedeschia albomaculataRegular Price $9.99 Sale $7.99You save: 20%Per Bag of 1Calla Lily Albomaculata is a classic, creamy white Calla Lily and looks stunning in the garden or a bouquet. Sometimes called the Florist's Calla Lily, this variety reaches a height of only 12-14” and has deep green leaves flecked with small white spots.Learn More![Calla Lily Mango]()
Add drama to your garden with Calla Lily Mango's large, trumpet-shaped mango-orange blooms. Calla Lilies are easy-to-grow, make great cutting flowers and are deer resistant....
Learn MoreMango Calla Lily Mango Calla Lily Zantedeschia MangoRegular Price $9.99 Sale $7.99You save: 20%Per Bag of 1Add drama to your garden with Calla Lily Mango's large, trumpet-shaped mango-orange blooms. Calla Lilies are easy-to-grow, make great cutting flowers and are deer resistant.Learn More![Calla Lily Picasso]()
Well named, Calla Lily 'Picasso' is an unusual cultivar that offers a bi-colored flower. Opening with a creamy flower, it gradually reveals its purple heart. A real beauty! 16-20" ta...
Learn MorePicasso Calla Lily Picasso Calla Lily Zantedeschia PicassoRegular Price $13.99 Sale $11.19You save: 20%Per Bag of 1Well named, Calla Lily 'Picasso' is an unusual cultivar that offers a bi-colored flower. Opening with a creamy flower, it gradually reveals its purple heart. A real beauty! 16-20" tall.Learn More
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!
Triteleia (Starflowers)
This genus of native bulbs come 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.
![Double Tuberose, Polianthes The Pearl]()
Double Tuberose (Polianthes) is a double-flowered cultivar, also known as The Pearl, and has fragrant, creamy-white flowers on tall stems above clumps of grass-like foliage. Double T...
Learn MoreThe Pearl Double Tuberose (Polianthes) The Pearl Double Tuberose Polianthes tuberosa The Pearl$12.99Per Bag of 3Double Tuberose (Polianthes) is a double-flowered cultivar, also known as The Pearl, and has fragrant, creamy-white flowers on tall stems above clumps of grass-like foliage. Double Tuberose is a wonderful cut flower for long-lasting flower arrangements. Perfect for patio pots. 24-36" tall.Learn More![Amaryllis Belladonna (Naked Ladies Plant)]()
Amaryllis Belladonna have fragrant light-pink flowers that appear in mid-August once their green foliage has died back, giving them the common name of “Naked Ladies.” They natura...
Learn MoreNaked Lady Lily (Amaryllis Belladonna) Naked Lady Lily, Jersey Lily Amaryllis belladonnaRegular Price $17.99 Sale $14.39You save: 20%Per Bag of 1Amaryllis Belladonna have fragrant light-pink flowers that appear in mid-August once their green foliage has died back, giving them the common name of “Naked Ladies.” They naturalize readily in well-drained soil. Mulch over winter to extend cold hardiness. Cold hardy in zones 7-11. Grow as annuals elsewhere. 24-36" tall.Learn More![Harlequin Flower Bulb Mix Close Up, Sparaxis Tricolor Mix]()
Harlequin Flower Mix (Sparaxis tricolor) charms everyone who sees it with its bright, cheerful blossoms in shades of orange, pink, reds, and white. Harlequin Flower (also known as Wa...
Learn MoreHarlequin Flower Mix (Sparaxis) Harlequin Flower Mix Sparaxis tricolor Mix$8.99Per Bag of 25Harlequin Flower Mix (Sparaxis tricolor) charms everyone who sees it with its bright, cheerful blossoms in shades of orange, pink, reds, and white. Harlequin Flower (also known as Wandflower) is an easy-to-grow, sun-loving plant that showers the garden with early to mid-summer color. Plant bulbs in groups of 9-12 for the full-color effect. Long lasting cut flowers too.Learn More![Gloriosa Lily, Gloriosa rothschildiana]()
Like a flash of firelight, Gloriosa Lily (Gloriosa rothschildiana or commonly, Flame Lily or Fire Lily) is an eye-catching climbing tender perennial that bears unusual rich-toned red...
Learn MoreGloriosa Lily Gloriosa Lily, Fire Lily Gloriosa rothschildianaRegular Price $19.99 Sale $15.99You save: 20%Per Bag of 3Like a flash of firelight, Gloriosa Lily (Gloriosa rothschildiana or commonly, Flame Lily or Fire Lily) is an eye-catching climbing tender perennial that bears unusual rich-toned red flowers, with penciled yellow edges and swept back petals. Spice up a boring wall or trellis with Gloriosa! (Note: All parts of the plant are poisonous.)Learn More
Text and Photos by David Salman.
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