7 Summer-Blooming Bulbs To Plant In Early Spring: Don't Miss Months Of Glorious Flowers!

Spring-blooming bulbs often get the glory because they signal the end of winter, but what about bulbs that bring us flowers in summer? These are the bulbs to plant now, in early spring. Don’t miss your window to enjoy these spectacular summer flowers.

Timing is everything with summer-flowering bulbs. While spring-blooming bulbs go in the ground in fall and wait all winter to bring us the first colors of spring, summer-blooming bulbs should be planted in early spring. They are tender bulbs native to warmer climates. Grow them as annuals or dig them up in the fall to store them for the following spring.

Follow specific guidelines when planting each type of bulb. Generally, you should plant summer bulbs once the soil has warmed up to 55 to 60°F (13 to 16°C). Plant them in soil that drains very well. Water the bulbs regularly but avoid overwatering. Bulbs rot easily in excess water. Most summer bulbs need full sun.

Summer-blooming bulbs are technically not all bulbs. Although they get grouped together as different types of bulbs, they include corms, rhizomes, and tuberous roots. What they all have in common is that they grow from these fleshy underground structures that store energy and nutrients. Here are seven summer flowers to consider planting now, in spring.

1. Canna Lily

Canna lily is a classic and stunning summer bulb and a tropical annual that you can dig up in fall and store for the following year. It has both striking foliage and flowers, growing up to eight feet (2.4m) tall over the course of the summer.

You can find cannas in many varieties, even dwarf types if you want something more diminutive. Canna leaves are large and may be variegated or striped, while the flowers come in several bright shades. Cannas are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10 and prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

2. Dahlia

Dahlias are perennials in zones 8 and higher. In colder zones, you can dig up and overwinter the tubers. Dahlias are popular for their pretty flowers that come in a huge variety of colors, forms, and sizes, including dinner plate blooms.

Dahlias will bloom from mid-summer through fall, often up to the first frost. Give them a sunny spot and loamy, well-drained soil. Although they make pretty cut flowers, be aware that dahlias are toxic to pets.

3. Gladiolus

This is a classic cottage garden flower. Gladiolus are beautiful ornamentals and cut flowers. They bloom with multiple flowers on tall spikes. Glads are particularly useful in vegetable gardens because they attract pollinators. Look for different varieties in colors from red and pink to yellow, orange, and even green.

Glads grow from corms and are hardy through zone 7. Dig and store the corms if they are not hardy in your zone or simply grow them as annuals in full sun or partial shade. Like dahlias, glads are toxic to pets.

4. Pineapple Lily

A pineapple lily is a unique summer bulb that is neither a lily nor a pineapple. The name comes from the flower stalk with multiple, small, lily-like flowers topped by green leaves, which all together resemble a pineapple. Native to Africa, pineapple lily needs warmth, full sun, and well-drained soil to grow well.

You can grow pineapple lily in beds, but it also does very well in containers. It will attract pollinators to the garden. Dig up and store the bulbs for winter, or if container-grown, bring the pots indoors for winter.

5. Elephant Ear

Elephant ear (Colocassia spp., Alocasia spp., Xanthosoma spp. ) is a fun tropical species that, while it can flower, is grown for its unique foliage. The common name for this plant comes from the large leaves that come in a range of colors and patterns, even a green so dark it’s nearly black. Depending on the type, elephant ears can grow up to six feet (1.8m) tall and wide.

Elephant ear is hardy in zones 9 through 11. It grows best in partial shade but will tolerate full sun. The soil should be consistently moist but well drained. Elephant ear is toxic to pets, so avoid if your pets are prone to nibbling on plants.

6. Crocosmia

Also known as copper tips, crocosmia is revered for its unique, deep-orange flowers. Cultivars of crocosmia have been developed for longer-lasting flowers, but keep in mind that it may take a few years for them to reach their full blooming potential.

Crocosmia is hardy in zones 6 through 10, so it can be grown as a perennial in many more locations than other summer bulbs. Plant it in full sun with well-drained soil.

7. Calla Lily

Calla lilies are elegant flowers well-known for the white variety often used in wedding bouquets. They come in many different colors, though, including orange, yellow, pink, and deep red. Calla lilies are hardy in zones 8 through 10 and must be dug up for winter storage in colder areas.

Calla lilies grow well in full sun and tolerate humidity and heat. They prefer rich, moist, well-drained soil. Like other lilies, calla lilies are toxic to animals and humans, so be careful if you have pets or small children around them.

Summer bulbs need to be planted in spring, but they will reward you soon after with stunning summer blooms. Whether you grow them as annuals or store them for winter, these quick-growing flowers don’t disappoint.

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