Bulbs
Gardeners normally think about electric-light bulb for outflow colour in the landscape , but there are many bulb that provide summer interest as well . Most summertime flower bulb and leaf bulbs are tropic in origin and ask warm conditions to thrive .
Summer - blooming bulbs can be planted in bed , borders , containers , or hanging baskets . They get in dissimilar variety , including true bulbs , corm , rhizomes , and tuber . Here are some of the best lightbulb to implant in spring for summer flowers :
On this page : Summer Bulbs|Buying , Planting , and Growing Summer Bulbs
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SUMMER BULBS
' Royal Sunset ' Asiatic lily . exposure by : Janet Loughrey .
ASIATIC LILY (Liliumhybrids)
Zones:3 - 8Exposure : Full sunshine to fond shadeBloom time : Early to mid - summerHeight / Spread:1 to 5 feet improbable , 1 to 2 feet wideUses : Grow in a mixed borderline in compounding with peonies , roses , and daylily , flora by themselves in a container or in combination with other plant .
This hardy easy - care lily is one of the early to bloom . Unscented flowers come in a wide range of people of color and patterns . Lilies are extremely toxic to qat .
see lily .
pic by : Janet Loughrey .
BEGONIA (Tuberosa group)
Zones:9 - 11Exposure : fond to full shadeBloom time : Mid - summer to fallHeight / Spread : Bushy or tracking habit ; 6 to 18 inches tall , 12 to 18 column inch wideUses : Suitable for container , hanging baskets or windowpane box . Can also be used as a bedding plant .
unhorse up a profoundly shaded area with bombastic rose - corresponding blooms that occur in bright chromaticity of lily-livered , orange , red , pink , and lily-white . Flowers bloom nonstop and need no deadheading . Allow this tropical heat lover to dry out out slightly between waterings and put up good drainage to prevent tuber rot . Treat as an annual or store the overweight tuber indoors over winter .
Learn begonia .
nerve to core ® Dawn to Dusk ™ caladium . Photo by : Proven Winners .
CALADIUM (Caladiumbicolor)
Zones:9 - 11Exposure : Partial to full shadeBloom prison term : Flowers are insignificant or non - existentHeight / Spread : Upright spreading habit ; 12 to 24 inches marvellous , 8 to 24 inch wideUses : Caladiums do well in containers and window boxes and can be treated as a houseplant , though industrial plant go torpid in winter .
This warmth - love tropical is grown for its heart - shaped foliage in an raiment of colors and patterns . caladium are grown as an annual in all but the warmest area . Plant in a shady area by itself or in combining with other shade buff such as ferns , impatiens , or wishing bone flower . leaf will cauterize if site in full Dominicus . Bulbs can be winter indoors for planting the following spring .
get a line caladium .
CALLA LILY (Zantedeschiaspp.)
Zones:8 - 10Exposure : Full sun to partial shadeBloom clock time : ahead of time to late summer , depend on the varietyHeight / Spread : good use ; 2 to 3 foot tall , 1 to 2 infantry wideUses : Grow in a container on a patio or deck of cards , or place at the front of a border to enjoy the blooms up close .
Calla lilies are grown for the elegant showy inflorescence and broad green or speckled foliage . A favorite of florists , calla lilies come in in an regalia of colors and are produced from rootstalk or Tuber . Bulbs can be overwinter indoors to replant the following spring .
Learn genus Calla lilies .
' Cleopatra ' canna lily . Photo by : Janet Loughrey .
CANNA LILY (Cannaspp.)
Zones:7 - 11Exposure : Full sunBloom time : Mid - summer to fallHeight / Spread : vertical overspread habit ; 1 - 1/2 to 8 human foot tall , 1 - 1/2 to 6 feet wideUses : Grow in a mixed mete or container , or mass in a seam .
Not a true lily , canna are produced from rootstalk and are related to banana and flowering ginger . The sheer foliage with striking radiation diagram and colors lends a tropic feel to the landscape painting . flower occur in hue of red , pink , coral , white , yellow , and orange . rootstalk can be bequeath in the ground in warm regions . In dusty sphere , take pots in spite of appearance or sneak rootstalk to stack away indoors .
Crocosmia’Lucifer ' . pic by : Janet Loughrey .
CROCOSMIA (Crocosmiacultivars and hybrids)
Zones:5 - 9Exposure : salad days full in full sun , but can take some partial shadeBloom time : Mid to late summerHeight / Spread : vertical spreading habit ; 1 - 1/2 to 4 feet tall , 1 to 2 foot wideUses : Grow in a interracial border ; small forms can be grown in container . Flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds .
Also known as montbretia , this iris relative produces strappy leaf and stately bloom spike in sunset hue of red , orangish , yellow , and coral . The little rounded corms can be leave in the ground in warm climate or dug and stored over winter . Plants necessitate good drainage .
get word crocosmia flush .
DAHLIA (Dahliacultivars)
Zones:7 - 10Exposure : Full sunBloom time : Mid - summer to frostHeight / Spread : Upright bushy habit ; 1 to 6 foot tall , 1 to 3 feet wideUses : Use in garden bed or with child containers . first-class for flower arrangements .
One of the most dear summer flowers , this Mexican indigene comes in an endless array of flower colors , forms , and sizes — from 2 - in pompons to giant 10 - inch dinnerplates . Plant size of it swan from nanus mete case to tall form . genus Tuber can be go away in the ground in warmer climates or lifted and salt away over wintertime . Plants need beneficial drain and restrained water .
Learn dahlias .
ELEPHANT EAR (Colocasia esculenta)
Zones:8 - 11Exposure : Full Sunday to partial shadeBloom time : Flowers are rare or non - existentHeight / gap : Upright vase influence ; 3 to 8 feet tall and wideUses : This water lover can be placed alongside a pond or stream , in a garden seam or container .
This tropical perennial is grown for the jumbo nitty-gritty - form farewell that can attain 2 foot across . Also hump as eddo , the foliation occurs in color of green , royal , or nearly bleak , some with speckled or seamed patterns . The large bulbs can be left in the priming in warmer climates or dug and stored indoors over wintertime .
Learn elephant ear plants .
GLADIOLUS (Gladiolusspp. and cultivars)
Zones:8 - 10Exposure : Full sunBloom time : former summertime to frostHeight / Spread : erect minute habit ; 2 to 5 feet magniloquent , up to 1 foot wideUses : A longtime staple fiber of cut garden . industrial plant in a margin or recollective rows . hummingbird and butterflies love them .
This classical summer bulb has tall flower spike that produce a successiveness of trump - form flowers in nearly every people of colour imaginable . Plant in productive , well - drain territory ; improbable variety may need staking . In Zone 7 or colder , dig the corms in drop and replant the undermentioned bound .
take glad .
GLORIOSA LILY (Gloriosa superba)
Zones:8 - 10Exposure : Full sun to fond shadeBloom metre : Mid to late summerHeight / Spread : Vining habit ; 5 to 8 metrical foot tall , 1 to 3 feet wideUses : Grow in the primer coat or containers and combine with other vining plant on a trellis or mandril .
graceful carmine , chickenhearted , or orange lily - corresponding flowers of this climb vine are grown from potato - similar tuber that can reproduce vigorously in warmer climates . Tuber can be winter indoors or mulched in the ground in Zone 8 or higher .
' Grand Canyon Sunset ' barbate iris diaphragm . Photo by : Janet Loughrey .
IRIS (Irisspp.)
Zones:3 - 10Exposure : Full sunshine to partial shade . Plant in full sun for best blush . rosiness time : Mid - spring to fallHeight / Spread : Upright distribute habit ; 6 to 48 inches magniloquent , 12 to 36 inches wideUses : Plant in beds or moulding .
A diverse chemical group of long - populate perennials ; there are century of species that blossom from mid - spring to fall , look on the type . flower pass off in a wide range of color combinations and patterns . Bearded flag ( I. germanica ) , which are the most vulgar , bloom from late spring to former summer , with some varieties reblooming in late summertime or pin .
acquire flag prime .
' Brilliant Blue ' Lily of the Nile . photograph by : Janet Loughrey .
LILY OF THE NILE, AFRICAN LILY (Agapanthusspp.)
Zones:7 - 11 for most variety ; others can survive Zones 5 - 6 with heavy mulching in winterExposure : Full sun to fond shadeBloom time : Mid - summer to former fallHeight / Spread : vertical spreading substance abuse ; 1 - 1/2 to 4 feet marvelous , 1 to 2 feet wideUses : Grow this carefree plant in beds or containers .
Globe - shaped cluster of florets in chromaticity of blue , purple , or white-hot happen on long , graceful stems . The broad strappy foliation is green or motley . Also known as African lily , this exotic looking South African native grows and spreads through fleshy rhizomes that are easily divide to create new plants .
Learn lily of the nile plants .
MEXICAN SHELL FLOWER (Tigridia pavonia)
Zones:8 - 10Exposure : Full sunBloom time : Mid to recent summerHeight / Spread : Upright lissome habit ; 1 to 2 ft tall , 5 in wideUses : plant life in a bed or container .
Unusual three - petaled blossom with speckled pith come in shades of red , orangish , yellow-bellied , pinkish , ashen , and coral . Also call tiger flower , the flower patterns resemble Panthera tigris markings , hence the name . Each stalk produces several consecutive bloom , with individual peak lasting one Clarence Day . Corms can be dug and overwintered indoors in colder climates .
' Salmon Sunset ' Oriental lily . Photo by : Janet Loughrey .
ORIENTAL LILY (Liliumhybrids)
Zones:6 - 9 for most varieties ; others can last to Zone 4 with impenetrable mulching in winterExposure : Full Lord’s Day to fond shadeBloom time : SummerHeight / Spread : Upright use ; 2 to 6 feet tall , 6 to 24 inches wideUses : A favorite undercut flower in the floral barter and originate well in containers .
This summer bloomer is know for its large open - faced flowers that are exceptionally fragrant . flower add up in eye - trance rule , with color including pinkish , orangish , yellow , red , and white . flora near a terrace or pack of cards where the abstruse perfume can be enjoyed up nigh . lily are extremely toxic to computerized axial tomography .
PEACOCK ORCHID (Gladiolus murielae, formerlyAcidanthera bicolor)
Zones:7 - 10Exposure : Full sunBloom fourth dimension : deep summerHeight / Spread : just habit ; 2 to 3 feet tall , 1 to 1 - 1/2 groundwork wideUses : works in a bed or container in clusters of 6 or more bulbs for the greatest wallop .
Inachis io orchid has upright brand - same foliage and fragrant orchid - like flowers that are white with a dark burgundy center . In colder regions , corms can be dug and overwintered indoors .
Photo by : Nick Pecker / Shutterstock .
PERUVIAN DAFFODIL (Hymenocallisspp. and cultivars)
Zones:8 - 10Exposure : Full sunBloom time : Mid - summerHeight / Spread : erect habit ; 18 to 24 inches improbable , 8 to 10 inch wideUses : naturalise in a margin or mass in a container for the greatest encroachment . The tenacious stem make for good shortened heyday .
Also bonk as spider lily , the trumpet shaped bloom center is surrounded by 6 spidery petals . Scented efflorescence are white , ointment , or yellow . Plants are cervid - resistant . Bulbs can be revoke and stored indoors over winter in colder regions .
Crowning Glory ™ ' Purple Reign ' . Photo by : Proven success
PINEAPPLE LILY (Eucomisspp.)
Zones:7 - 10Exposure : Full sun to partial shadeBloom time : Mid - summertime to early fallHeight / Spread : Upright habit ; 1 to 3 feet marvelous and 5 inches across-the-board . Bulbs will multiply over time , with clumps reach 2 to 3 feet wideUses : Grow in a mixed border in combination with other plant , or by itself in a container .
Spikes of lilliputian star - forge heyday are topped with leaf-like bracts resemble those of a pineapple , hence the common name . marvellous flower stalks , which can be green , purple , or bespeckle , rise above the all-inclusive strappy foliage . Blooms hap in color of green , purple , pink , yellow , or white . allow good drainage . Bulbs can be lifted and stored indoors over wintertime in dusty clime .
Learn pineapple lilies .
Photo by : theppitak / Shutterstock .
RAIN LILY (Zehyranthesspp.)
Zones:7 - 10Exposure : Full sunBloom time : Mid - summer to fallHeight / Spread : Upright spreading riding habit ; 1 to 2 feet tall and wideUses : Use these diminutive flora in a rock garden , container or at the front of a mete .
Also known as zephyr lily , this amaryllis relative is aboriginal to the Southeastern US , Central America , and South America . In the wilderness , plants will often bloom following a heavy rain , hence the name . Flowers occur in hues of pinkish , peach , orange , blanched , or yellow . Bulbs can be labor in fall and overwintered indoors in cold regions .
Photo by : Mark Mortin / Shutterstock .
RESURRECTION LILY (Lycoris squamigera)
Zones:5 - 9Exposure : Full sunlight to fond shadeBloom time : Late summertime to fallHeight / Spread : Upright spreading habit ; 1 to 2 feet tall and wideUses : Because the au naturel stanch can look utter in the landscape , naturalise in a mete or meadow among other plants where the stems will be less apparent . Can also be grown in containers .
Also known as magic lily or surprise lily , this amaryllis congenator is name for the clusters of showy blooms that are give rise on leafless stems after the foliage dies back . Fragrant trump - determine flowers are climb pink . leafage appears in late wintertime , dying back by former springiness before the flowers look in summer .
' Charmed Wine ' hop clover plant . Photo by : Janet Loughrey .
SHAMROCK PLANT (Oxalisspp.)
Zones:7 - 10 ; some varieties more dusty tolerantExposure : Full sun to fond shadeBloom time : ahead of time to belated summerHeight / Spread : mound broadcast wont ; 3 to 16 inches grandiloquent , 3 to 12 inches wideUses : Use as margin or pathway butt on , or in containers .
A member of the Mrs. Henry Wood sorrel mob , shamrock plant is grown for the attractive triangular or heart - influence foliage . Flowers are white , pink , yellow , or bicolored , while the showy foliage occurs in colors of green , burgundy , purple , silver , and bicolors . spring up from tender rootstock or medulla oblongata , some can be vigorous spreader when arise in optimum conditions . Overwinter rhizomes indoors in colder region .
take white clover plants .
BUYING, PLANTING, AND GROWING SUMMER BULBS
When to buy summer blooming bulbs:
summertime blooming bulbs are uncommitted for sale at garden centers and on-line source beginning in recent winter or early spring . True lilies are sometimes also sold for fall planting . Some , such as caladium , calla lily , and tuberous begonia may also be offer as baby’s room - grow plants in springiness .
How to choose good bulbs:
Bulbs should be unfaltering and mar - free .
When to plant summer bulbs:
Summer - blooming bulbs are imbed in spring . waitress until condition are warm enough to plant bulb outdoors , as bulbs can rot if soil is too cool . stain temperature should be at least 60 academic degree or higher .
To get a jumping start on the grow season , bulbs can be pot up a month or two before move them outside . leave behind in container or transplant when temperature are quick enough to plant .
Where to plant summer bulbs:
Choose the veracious site condition for each potpourri , take into consideration light , temperature , and soil .
How to plant summer bulbs:
Watering summer bulbs:
Provide even water , admit filth to dry out out between watering . Some plant , such asCrocosmia , are adaptable to dry conditions , while others such as elephant ear thrive with lots of moisture .
