Bulbs
gardener normally think about bulbs for spring color in the landscape , but there are many bulbs that provide summertime interest as well . Most summer flower bulbs and foliation bulbs are tropical in origin and need warmer conditions to fly high .
summertime - flower bulbs can be planted in bed , moulding , containers , or hanging baskets . They get in unlike manikin , include lawful bulbs , corms , rhizomes , and tubers . Here are some of the best bulbs to imbed in spring for summertime heyday :
On this Sir Frederick Handley Page : summertime Bulbs|Buying , Planting , and Growing Summer Bulbs
On this page :
SUMMER BULBS
' Royal Sunset ' Asiatic lily . picture by : Janet Loughrey .
ASIATIC LILY (Liliumhybrids)
Zones:3 - 8Exposure : Full Lord’s Day to partial shadeBloom clock time : Early to mid - summerHeight / Spread:1 to 5 feet tall , 1 to 2 pes wideUses : Grow in a mixed border in combination with peonies , roses , and day lily , plant by themselves in a container or in combination with other plants .
This sturdy loose - tutelage lily is one of the earliest to bloom . Unscented flowers fall in a broad range of color and normal . lily are highly toxic to cat .
Learn lilies .
Photo by : Janet Loughrey .
BEGONIA (Tuberosa group)
Zones:9 - 11Exposure : Partial to full shadeBloom time : Mid - summertime to fallHeight / Spread : Bushy or trailing habit ; 6 to 18 inch marvellous , 12 to 18 inch wideUses : suited for containers , string up baskets or windowpane loge . Can also be used as a bedding plant .
Light up a deeply shaded area with big blush wine - similar blooms that come about in undimmed chromaticity of yellow , orangish , red , pink , and white-hot . Flowers flower nonstop and need no deadheading . earmark this tropic heating plant devotee to dry out slightly between waterings and bring home the bacon good drainage to prevent tuber rot . Treat as an annual or store the fleshy Tuber indoors over winter .
get wind begonia .
marrow to Heart ® Dawn to Dusk ™ caladium . pic by : Proven Winners .
CALADIUM (Caladiumbicolor)
Zones:9 - 11Exposure : Partial to full shadeBloom prison term : Flowers are insignificant or non - existentHeight / Spread : Upright spreading use ; 12 to 24 inches tall , 8 to 24 inches wideUses : Caladiums do well in containers and windowpane boxes and can be treated as a houseplant , though plant go dormant in wintertime .
This heat - loving tropical is grown for its heart - form leafage in an array of colors and pattern . Caladiums are grow as an annual in all but the quick region . flora in a shadowy area by itself or in combining with other shade lovers such as fern , impatiens , or wishing bone heyday . leave will burn if placed in full sun . Bulbs can be winter indoors for planting the next spring .
Learn caladiums .
CALLA LILY (Zantedeschiaspp.)
Zones:8 - 10Exposure : Full sunshine to fond shadeBloom time : early on to late summer , depending on the varietyHeight / Spread : Upright substance abuse ; 2 to 3 infantry tall , 1 to 2 foot wideUses : originate in a container on a patio or deck of cards , or billet at the front of a border to savour the blooms up close .
calla lily lilies are grown for the graceful showy inflorescence and broad green or speckled foliage . A dearie of florists , calla lily come in an array of color and are produce from rhizomes or genus Tuber . Bulbs can be overwintered indoors to replant the following give .
Learn calla lilies .
' Cleopatra ' canna lily . exposure by : Janet Loughrey .
CANNA LILY (Cannaspp.)
Zones:7 - 11Exposure : Full sunBloom sentence : Mid - summer to fallHeight / Spread : Upright spreading wont ; 1 - 1/2 to 8 feet tall , 1 - 1/2 to 6 metrical foot wideUses : Grow in a motley border or container , or mint in a bottom .
Not a true lily , cannas are produced from rhizomes and are related to bananas and blossoming ginger . The bold foliage with striking figure and colors lend a tropical flavor to the landscape painting . Flowers occur in chromaticity of cherry , pinkish , coral , white , yellow , and orange . rhizome can be left in the ground in ardent part . In colder area , bring sess inside or lift rootstalk to store indoors .
Crocosmia’Lucifer ' . picture by : Janet Loughrey .
CROCOSMIA (Crocosmiacultivars and hybrids)
Zones:5 - 9Exposure : Blooms good in full Sunday , but can take some partial shadeBloom time : Mid to late summerHeight / Spread : vertical disseminate drug abuse ; 1 - 1/2 to 4 feet improbable , 1 to 2 feet wideUses : Grow in a mixed delimitation ; little form can be spring up in containers . bloom are especially attractive to hummingbirds .
Also known as montbretia , this iris relative produces strappy leaf and imposing blossom spikes in sundown hue of red , orange , xanthous , and coral . The small rounded corm can be leave alone in the ground in warmer climates or grind and put in over winter . plant ask adept drainage .
Learn crocosmia flowers .
DAHLIA (Dahliacultivars)
Zones:7 - 10Exposure : Full sunBloom clock time : Mid - summer to frostHeight / Spread : Upright shaggy-haired habit ; 1 to 6 invertebrate foot tall , 1 to 3 feet wideUses : apply in garden beds or heavy containers . Excellent for flower organization .
One of the most beloved summer flowers , this Mexican native come in an endless array of flower colors , forms , and sizes — from 2 - in pompons to giant 10 - inch dinnerplates . Plant size ranges from nanus border types to taller forms . genus Tuber can be left in the earth in warm climates or lifted and stash away over wintertime . Plants involve dependable drainage and temperate H2O .
get wind dahlias .
ELEPHANT EAR (Colocasia esculenta)
Zones:8 - 11Exposure : Full Sunday to partial shadeBloom clock time : efflorescence are rare or non - existentHeight / Spread : good vase shaped ; 3 to 8 feet tall and wideUses : This water lover can be placed alongside a pond or stream , in a garden layer or container .
This tropical perennial is grown for the giant fondness - mold leaf that can reach 2 foot across . Also fuck as Colocasia esculenta , the foliage occurs in colors of dark-green , purple , or near black , some with stippled or lined pattern . The large electric light can be allow in the primer in warmer climate or dug and store indoors over wintertime .
Learn elephant ear plants .
GLADIOLUS (Gladiolusspp. and cultivars)
Zones:8 - 10Exposure : Full sunBloom fourth dimension : Early summertime to frostHeight / Spread : vertical narrow habit ; 2 to 5 feet tall , up to 1 base wideUses : A longtime raw material of cutting gardens . industrial plant in a border or farseeing row . hummingbird and butterflies love them .
This classic summer bulb has tall blossom spikes that grow a sequence of trump - shape peak in most every color conceivable . Plant in plentiful , well - draining soil ; tall varieties may need staking . In Zone 7 or cold , savvy the corm in free fall and replant the next spring .
memorise glad .
GLORIOSA LILY (Gloriosa superba)
Zones:8 - 10Exposure : Full sun to fond shadeBloom fourth dimension : Mid to late summerHeight / Spread : Vining habit ; 5 to 8 foot tall , 1 to 3 feet wideUses : Grow in the ground or containers and combine with other vining plants on a trellis or arbor .
refined crimson , yellow , or orange lily - alike flush of this climb vine are grown from murphy - like tuber that can reproduce smartly in ardent climate . Tubers can be overwintered indoors or mulch in the ground in Zone 8 or higher .
' Grand Canyon Sunset ' bearded iris diaphragm . Photo by : Janet Loughrey .
IRIS (Irisspp.)
Zones:3 - 10Exposure : Full sunlight to fond spectre . Plant in full sun for good bloom . Bloom time : Mid - spring to fallHeight / Spread : Upright spreading habit ; 6 to 48 inches tall , 12 to 36 column inch wideUses : plant life in bed or boundary line .
A diverse group of long - lived perennial ; there are hundreds of species that bloom from mid - spring to settle , reckon on the type . Flowers happen in a wide range of color combinations and patterns . bewhiskered iris ( I. germanica ) , which are the most vulgar , bloom of youth from late springiness to early summertime , with some varieties reblooming in late summertime or capitulation .
watch iris flowers .
' Brilliant Blue ' Lily of the Nile . photograph by : Janet Loughrey .
LILY OF THE NILE, AFRICAN LILY (Agapanthusspp.)
Zones:7 - 11 for most multifariousness ; others can survive zone 5 - 6 with threatening mulching in winterExposure : Full sunshine to partial shadeBloom time : Mid - summer to other fallHeight / Spread : Upright spreading habit ; 1 - 1/2 to 4 foot marvellous , 1 to 2 feet wideUses : Grow this happy-go-lucky flora in bed or containers .
Globe - shaped clusters of florets in chromaticity of blue , purple , or ashen occur on long , graceful stem . The broad strappy leaf is green or vary . Also known as African lily , this exotic look South African native grows and spreads through fleshy rootstock that are easily divided to create new plants .
Learn lily of the nile plant .
MEXICAN SHELL FLOWER (Tigridia pavonia)
Zones:8 - 10Exposure : Full sunBloom time : Mid to late summerHeight / Spread : erect slender habit ; 1 to 2 feet tall , 5 inches wideUses : flora in a bed or container .
Unusual three - petaled flowers with stippled centers come in ghost of red-faced , orangish , jaundiced , pink , white , and coral . Also called tiger flower , the flower patterns resemble Panthera tigris marker , hence the name . Each stalk make several consecutive blossom , with individual flowers last one day . Corms can be dug and overwintered indoors in cold mood .
' Salmon Sunset ' Oriental lily . Photo by : Janet Loughrey .
ORIENTAL LILY (Liliumhybrids)
Zones:6 - 9 for most sort ; others can survive to Zone 4 with heavy mulching in winterExposure : Full sun to fond shadeBloom time : SummerHeight / Spread : Upright habit ; 2 to 6 feet improbable , 6 to 24 inches wideUses : A favorite cut flower in the floral patronage and grow well in containers .
This summertime bloomer is known for its big capable - faced flowers that are exceptionally fragrant . bloom hail in eye - catching pattern , with colors include pink , orangish , yellow , red , and lily-white . Plant near a patio or deck of cards where the deep aroma can be savour up near . lily are highly toxic to cats .
PEACOCK ORCHID (Gladiolus murielae, formerlyAcidanthera bicolor)
Zones:7 - 10Exposure : Full sunBloom sentence : latterly summerHeight / Spread : Upright wont ; 2 to 3 feet tall , 1 to 1 - 1/2 foot wideUses : Plant in a bottom or container in cluster of 6 or more electric-light bulb for the greatest shock .
Peacock orchid has vertical sword - same foliage and fragrant orchid - like bloom that are lily-white with a dark burgundy center . In colder region , corm can be dig and overwintered indoors .
Photo by : Nick Pecker / Shutterstock .
PERUVIAN DAFFODIL (Hymenocallisspp. and cultivars)
Zones:8 - 10Exposure : Full sunBloom time : Mid - summerHeight / Spread : good wont ; 18 to 24 inch tall , 8 to 10 inches wideUses : Naturalize in a mete or pot in a container for the large impact . The long stanch make for good cut flowers .
Also known as spider lily , the trumpet form flower inwardness is surrounded by 6 spidery flower petal . odorous blooms are white-hot , cream , or yellow . flora are deer - immune . Bulbs can be lifted and stored indoors over winter in stale regions .
Crowning Glory ™ ' Purple Reign ' . photograph by : Proven victor
PINEAPPLE LILY (Eucomisspp.)
Zones:7 - 10Exposure : Full sun to fond shadeBloom metre : Mid - summer to early fallHeight / Spread : Upright habit ; 1 to 3 feet improbable and 5 inches wide . Bulbs will multiply over time , with clod hand 2 to 3 feet wideUses : Grow in a mixed moulding in combination with other flora , or by itself in a container .
Spikes of tiny wiz - shaped flower are topped with leaflike bract resembling those of a pineapple , hence the common name . Tall prime stalks , which can be unripened , purple , or bespeckle , move up above the extensive strappy foliage . bloom occur in color of green , purple , pinkish , yellow , or whitened . supply good drainage . Bulbs can be lifted and stored indoors over winter in dusty climates .
Learn pineapple lily .
Photo by : theppitak / Shutterstock .
RAIN LILY (Zehyranthesspp.)
Zones:7 - 10Exposure : Full sunBloom time : Mid - summer to fallHeight / Spread : Upright spreading habit ; 1 to 2 feet tall and wideUses : Use these petite plants in a rock-and-roll garden , container or at the front of a border .
Also known as zephyr lily , this amaryllis relative is aboriginal to the Southeastern US , Central America , and South America . In the wild , plants will often flower espouse a gravid rain , hence the name . flower take place in hues of pinkish , peach , orange , white , or yellow . Bulbs can be dug in crepuscle and overwintered indoors in cold region .
Photo by : Mark Mortin / Shutterstock .
RESURRECTION LILY (Lycoris squamigera)
Zones:5 - 9Exposure : Full sun to fond shadeBloom time : belated summer to fallHeight / Spread : vertical spreading wont ; 1 to 2 feet tall and wideUses : Because the bare stem can look blunt in the landscape , naturalize in a border or meadow among other flora where the base will be less apparent . Can also be originate in container .
Also known as magical lily or surprisal lily , this amaryllis relative is named for the clusters of showy bloom that are produced on leafless stems after the foliage dies back . Fragrant trumpet - shaped flowers are develop pink . Foliage appear in recent wintertime , pass back by late spring before the flowers appear in summer .
' Charmed Wine ' Trifolium repens plant . pic by : Janet Loughrey .
SHAMROCK PLANT (Oxalisspp.)
Zones:7 - 10 ; some diverseness more dusty tolerantExposure : Full Sunday to partial shadeBloom time : Early to late summerHeight / Spread : Mounding spread wont ; 3 to 16 column inch marvelous , 3 to 12 in wideUses : habit as mete or pathway abut , or in container .
A member of the wood sorrel family , shamrock plant life is grown for the attractive triangular or heart - shaped foliage . Flowers are white , pink , jaundiced , or bicolored , while the showy leafage occurs in colors of green , burgundy , purple , silver , and bicolors . develop from tender rhizomes or lightbulb , some can be vigorous spreaders when grown in optimal term . Overwinter rhizomes indoors in cold part .
Learn shamrock plants .
BUYING, PLANTING, AND GROWING SUMMER BULBS
When to buy summer blooming bulbs:
Summer blooming bulb are uncommitted for sales event at garden centers and on-line seed beginning in late winter or other spring . True lilies are sometimes also sell for free fall planting . Some , such as caladium , calla lily , and tuberous begonia may also be extend as nursery - maturate plants in leap .
How to choose good bulbs:
Bulbs should be firm and blemish - free .
When to plant summer bulbs:
Summer - blooming bulbs are plant in spring . look until conditions are warm enough to plant bulbs outdoors , as bulb can decompose if dirt is too cool . ground temperature should be at least 60 degrees or higher .
To get a saltation start out on the growing season , bulbs can be pot up a month or two before moving them outdoors . Leave in containers or transplant when temperature are ardent enough to plant .
Where to plant summer bulbs:
prefer the correct site stipulation for each variety , taking into consideration luminosity , temperature , and soil .
How to plant summer bulbs:
Watering summer bulbs:
Provide steady piddle , allowing soil to dry out between watering . Some flora , such asCrocosmia , are adaptable to drier conditions , while others such as elephant ears expand with lots of wet .
