Bulbs can be considered as a part of a plant; they are a kind of modified stem. Summer flowering bulbs bloom during summer and are great for any garden.
Bulbs are an excellent addition to your garden and will surely prove to be an interesting experience for you as a gardener.
As compared to other plants, planting bulbs is a little different. While planting bulbs, you should dig a deep hole to fit your bulb, make sure that the shoot of your bulb is facing upwards.
Depending on the type of bulb you get, you might even need to soak it in water for 12 hours. This allows the plant to absorb enough water to start growing immediately. It is a great method for faster growth.
In this article, we have prepared a list of 13 different kinds of summer flowering bulbs that you can plant in your garden.
Summer Flowering Bulbs to Transform Your Garden
1. Oriental Lily
Oriental lilies are famous for having a strong fragrance. These plants are available in many colors, such as red, pink, purple, or white. Their flowers are quite large, which makes them fill up the garden with color.
These plants bloom in late summer or early fall. Their blooms last for around 2 to 3 weeks. Much like other types of lilies, Oriental lilies are quite easy to grow and can tolerate a wide range of conditions.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
Oriental lilies prefer to be in full sun conditions but can also tolerate partial shade. They are not too picky about the soil they are planted in as long as it is moist and well-drained.
The USDA hardiness zones for Oriental Lilies are 3–8.
2. Gladiolus
Gladiolus, or “Glads” as they are also known, are plants that are famous for their large blooms. Their flowers can range from 3 inches in diameter to some varieties blooming with a 5-inch radius.
They are available in a large variety of colors, such as white, pink, rose, purple, green, and more. These plants bloom from July until frost, depending on the variety.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
Ideally, they should be kept in full sun conditions. They can also flower in partially shaded areas. They prefer sandy loam soil that is well-drained but can also grow in clay soil.
The USDA hardiness zones for Gladiolus plants are 8–11.
3. Caladium
Caladiums are famous for their large, multicolored leaves. Their leaves can even grow larger than the palm of your hands. The coloration on their leaves almost makes them look like a piece of modern art.
Their flowers are not as beautiful as the leaves themselves but are a nice touch to the overall look. Generally, they bloom between the spring and autumn seasons. The flowers are white and are quite small.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
Caladiums prefer to be in areas with a full shade or partial shade. You should only expose them to direct sunlight during the early morning hours. They prefer rich and well-drained soil. The soil should be slightly moist.
The USDA hardiness zones for Caladiums are 8–11.
4. Calla Lily
Calla lilies have beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in various colors, such as yellow, pink, rose, dark maroon, or white. These plants are easy to grow and take care of.
They bloom from late spring to early summer seasons, with their blooms lasting for 3–8 weeks. Their blooms are absolutely stunning, and with the low maintenance of these plants, they are a must-have for any gardener.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
Calla lilies prefer to be in full sun or partial shade conditions. If they are planted in cooler areas, then they can be left in full sun conditions. They prefer moist and well-drained soils.
The USDA hardiness zones for Calla Lilies are 8–10.
5. Crocosmia
Crocosmia plants, or also known as “Montbretia,” are a type of bulb that are well known for their exotic and brightly colored flowers. These plants are also great for attracting small animals like Hummingbirds.
Crocosmia is easy to maintain, and they bloom from mid-summer to mid-fall seasons. Their blooms last for 5–8 weeks and put up a spectacular display of colors in those days.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
These plants prefer to be in full sun conditions but can also live in partially shaded areas. They are not too picky about the type of soil but as long as it is moist and well-drained.
The USDA hardiness zones for Crocosmias are 6–9.
6. Elephant Ear
Colocasia, or “Elephant Ear” plant are known for their foliage, which looks like the ears of an Elephant. These plants are available in different colors and can even be eaten if cooked properly. They can even be grown as indoor plants with the right care.
These plants can also flower. Their blooms last from late spring to early fall seasons. Their flowers are quite small when compared to the size of the leaves themselves but give a nice look when they are in bloom.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
Elephant Ear plants like to be in full sun or slightly shaded areas. These plants should be kept in warm soil for ideal growth. Their soil should be damp or wet. They can easily survive in soil with standing water.
The USDA hardiness zones for Elephant Plants are 8–11.
7. Iris
Iris plants are available in a massive variety. Bulbous irises consist of plants like the Dwarf Iris, Reticulated Iris, or the Dutch Hybrids. These plants have beautiful and vibrant flowers. You can decorate your garden with multiple colors of Irises to add beauty.
Most Irises bloom during the spring or summer seasons, with their blooms lasting approximately 2 weeks. You can find these plants in almost any color ranging from white to almost black.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
For the best blooms, Irises should be kept in full sun conditions but can also survive in partially shaded areas. They prefer fertile and well-drained soil. They can do well in different soils, except for heavy clay types.
The USDA hardiness zones for Irises are 3–10.
8. Mexican Shellflowers
Also known as Tiger flowers, Peacock flowers, or Jockey’s Cap lilies, these plants produce some of the most beautiful flowers and are available in many different colors. Their petals are arranged in a triangular pattern that is 3–6 inches wide.
They bloom during mid to late summer seasons, their flowers only last for one day, but the plants bloom continuously when in season, so you will always have some color to look forward to in your garden.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
These plants prefer to be in full sun conditions. They can be placed in partly shaded areas if the sunlight is too bright. Mexican Shellflowers like moist and well-drained soils.
The USDA hardiness zones for Mexican Shellflowers are 8–10.
9. Shamrock Plant
The Shamrock plants are very famous amongst people due to their association with St. Patrick’s Day. Shamrock plants are considered to bring good luck to your home. These plants are easy to grow and maintain.
Shamrock plants produce delicate, white, or pink flowers in the blooming season, their blooming season lasts from fall to spring, and they will bloom periodically during this time.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
These plants like to be in bright areas but shouldn’t be placed in direct sunlight for too long. They like moist and well-drained soil. You should let the soil dry out before watering again.
The USDA hardiness zones for Shamrock plants depend a lot on the specific variety. They can be anywhere between 6–11.
10. Allium
The Allium family of plants includes over 700 different types. Onions, garlic, and Shallots are also from the family of Allium plants. These plants have beautiful flowers and leaves. These plants come in a variety of colors, flower forms, and even bloom times.
Alliums are also unique in the sense that these plants don’t mind dry soil at all. These plants are incredibly drought resistant and are very easy to take care of. They also don’t have many pests or animals that would want to eat them.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
These plants love to be in the sun, you can put them in direct sunlight, and they will be just fine. Some varieties of Alliums can tolerate partial shade as well. They prefer soil that is well-drained and not too wet. Just water their soil once a week, and your plants will be in great condition.
The USDA hardiness zones for Allium plants are 3-9.
11. Begonia
Begonias are great for indoor gardens or for gardens that don’t have much space. These plants are not too fussy about space and will grow happily even in flowerpots. Begonias are available in many beautiful colors like pink, red, white, or yellow.
Begonia flowers can be pretty small, depending on the variety. These plants produce a beautiful contrast of colors when they bloom, all thanks to their brightly colored flowers. Most Begonias bloom from early summer till frost.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
Begonias can live well without much sunlight. These plants prefer to be in partial shade, receiving around 4 hours of sunlight a day. You can also place them in filtered sunlight throughout the day. Some can even tolerate full shade and still bloom, but their blooms will not be as dense.
Begonias should be kept in fertile and well-drained soils, they may be able to tolerate low sunlight, but Begonias need really good soil conditions to grow properly. If their soil is too wet or cold, their roots and stem will start to rot.
The USDA hardiness zones for Begonia plants are 8-11.
12. Freesia
Freesia plants have beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers that are available in many beautiful colors. You can find Freesia flowers in colors like yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and many more. These plants are also well known for the beautiful fragrances of their flowers.
Unlike many other plants on this list, Freesias will bloom from late winter into spring. The beautiful fragrance of Freesia flowers can be easily sensed in any garden, and it is truly refreshing to visit your garden when your Freesias are in full bloom.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
Freesias prefer to be in cooler temperatures. Between 55-60, F is most ideal. These plants can grow in sunny conditions as long as the temperatures don’t get too high. Freesias need well-drained and moist soil.
The USDA hardiness zones for Freesias are 9-10.
13. Dahlia
Dahlias are probably the most beautiful and varied plants on this list. Their flowers can be massive and are brightly colored, making for a beautiful combination. These plants are available in a rainbow of colors, so it can almost get difficult to choose the right one for you.
Their flowers can range from 2-inch lollipop-style pompoms to massive 15-inch blooms. They bloom from late autumn through spring. These plants may not be the easiest to grow, but their beauty more than makes up for it.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
Dahlias do great in sunny conditions. You should provide at least 6 hours of sunlight to these plants per day. Some varieties of Dahlias can tolerate part shade. These plants need their soil to be fertile and well-drained. The ideal pH should be between 6.5-7.
The USDA hardiness zones for Dahlias are 8-11.
Conclusion
And that was our list of the different summer flowering bulbs that you can grow in your garden.
Bulbs are available in a massive variety, and we are sure that you will be able to find the plant that is perfect for you.
If you are looking for Bulbs that are easy to grow and require little attention, then you should plant Oriental Lilies, Calla Lilies, Crocosmias, Shamrock Plants, or Alliums. Listed at #1, #4. #5. #9. AND #10.
If you want some extra fragrance in your garden, then you cannot go wrong with planting Oriental lilies, Calla lilies, or Freesias. Listed at #1, #4, and #12, these plants are renowned for their beautiful scents.