Delve into the vibrant world of early spring planting! Discover 7 summer-blooming bulbs that'll bring months of radiant flowers to your garden!
Bring on the Sunny Spectacle!
Forget about those winter-pleasers, we're all about the summer bloomers! These eye-catching bulbs, corms, and tubers are the secret ingredients for a radiant and vibrant garden during the hot season. Plant 'em now, in early spring, and watch the magic unfold.
Summer's sizzling Bloom-tacular!
The key to summer-flowering bulbs lies in timing. While spring-bloomers hibernate all winter, these tender buddies from warmer climes should be planted in early spring. Raise a glass of sunshine, and say hello to these floral wonders as annuals or dig 'em up for a cozy winter slumber!
Master the Art of Planting
Planting these sun-adoring beauties? Here's the lowdown:
- Plant your summer bloomers once the soil temperature reaches a balmy 55 to 60°F (13 to 16°C).
- Go for soil that drains like a charm, but stay clear of dampness - these guys rot easily in sopping wet conditions!
- Give your babies (and I mean bulbs) a good watering, but don't let 'em drown.
- Most summer bloomers crave full sun, but if yours seems picky, only partial shade will do the trick.
Good to Know: Not All Bulbs are Bulbs
The wonderful world of summer-blooming plants is a melange of various magical creations, including bulbs (the kind most of us are familiar with), corms, rhizomes, and tuberous roots. What binds them all together? They all sprout from fleshy underground structures that store energy and nutrients, helping them power up for their summer show.
In the Garden of Seven Wonders
Mark your calendars, my friend! Get ready to dive headfirst into this list of 7 stunning summer-flowering plants you simply can't miss:
1. Canna Lily
A tropical stunner that won't back down from the heat, the Canna Lily flaunts zingy foliage and fervid flowers up to eight feet tall. With varieties ranging from diminutive dwarfs to hot hues, she's a must-have for your summer garden!
Hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10, she's a thriving diva who ain't afraid of claiming the spotlight. Pair well-drained soil and full sun, and you'll have a love affair blooming till fall! Just remember to secure her for the winter or indulge in a cozy catnap, as she's quite prone to frostbite.
2. Dahlia
Loved by gardeners and flowers enthusiasts, the Dahlia is a fabulous perennial in warmer climates, making it a hassle-free,multipurpose bloomer. With their captivating variety of colors, forms, and sizes, they bring an explosion of color and charm to your garden!
From mid-summer to autumn, you'll be basking in their gorgeous blooms. These gems are meant to be centerpieces, topping off garden beds with their show-stopping flower displays. Favoring loamy, well-drained soil and full sun, she's the ultimate glam queen in your summer wonderland. But keep your furry friends at bay, as dahlias are as toxic to pets as they are saucy and sensational.
3. Gladiolus
A classic cottage garden feature, Gladiolus boasts majestic ornamentals and cut flowers, with each spike brimming with multiple blooms. With a wide spectrum of colors to choose from, red, pink, yellow, orange, green, and more, this ever-popular bloomer promises a match for every taste.
Native to Africa, these hardy bulbs can survive in zones 7 through 10, growing in full sun or partial shade. Dig 'em up in the fall if winter temperatures won't tolerate their radiant presence, or keep 'em as annuals and let them multiply season after season. Remember, with great beauty comes great responsibility: Gladiolus is also toxic to pets.
4. Pineapple Lily
A truly unique summer bulb, the Pineapple Lily couldn't be more unlike its namesake. It's neither a pineapple nor a lily, truth be told, but its curious combination of multiple lily-like flowers on top of a green, pineapple-like stalk steals the show!
This African native requires warmth and full sun to thrive and is sure to attract pollinators. A perfect fit for beds or containers, Pineapple Lily will put on a captivating summer display that'll keep your garden buzzing with bees and butterflies. Whether you grow 'em in the ground or containers, don't forget to snuggle 'em up for winter, as they can't handle frost.
5. Elephant Ear
A hands-down favorite among tropical garden aficionados, Elephant Ear delights with its large, unique, and mesmerizing foliage in shades ranging from green to black. Its common name might lead you to believe it spits water, but rest assured it won't be turning into an elephantine water-squirter.
Hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11, Elephant Ear adores partial shade and requires consistently moist, yet well-drained soil. As with most tropical beauties, it's not safe for curious pets, so keep her out of your furry friends' reach.
6. Crocosmia
Also known as copper tips, Crocosmia is a flamboyant summer-flowering plant, thanks to its brilliant, deep-orange flowers. With cultivars developed for longer-lasting blooms, this spectacular plant promises a non-stop performance of copper-colored stunners that'll captivate you season after season.
Hardy in zones 6 through 10, Crocosmia is a reliable perennial that craves full sun and well-drained soil. With her striking beauty, Cuppy will draw a crowd and keep your summer garden teeming with pollinators.
7. Calla Lily
Brides and wedding enthusiasts swear by Calla Lily's elegant, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of white, orange, yellow, pink, and deep red. Whether you're building a romantic display or want to add a touch of sophistication to your garden, this plant will coin your summer vibe with its finesse.
Hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10, Calla Lily needs to be dug up for winter storage in colder regions, but in warmer climates, she'll keep returning year after year. If you fancy fragrant blooms, keep in mind that most cultivars release a pleasant, sweet aroma that'll fill your garden with a sigh of contentment. And as always, promised land is not for those with furry companions, as she's harmful to humans and animals alike.
Join the Sun-Loving Garden Gang!
Summer bulbs might need to be planted in spring, but trust us - they'll pay you back in more ways than one. Their quick-growing nature guarantees a mesmerizing summer, filled with color, charm, and a never-ending string of enchanting blooms. Choose annuals or dig 'em up for next year, these quick-finishers won't disappoint!
Summer brings a glorious time to transform your home-and-garden into a lifestyle oasis bursting with vibrancy – the perfect backdrop for those warm, sun-soaked days. Dive into the world of summer-flowering bulbs, corms, and tubers, such as canna lilies, dahlias, gladiolus, pineapple lilies, elephant ears, crocosmia, calla lilies, and more. These sun-loving plants are the secret to a resplendent 'home-and-garden' lifestyle that'll make your home the talk of the neighborhood!
