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Flower bulbs to plant in spring


Spring Flower Bulbs - Summer Bloomed

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Spring-planted bulbs produce some of the most dramatic garden color with minimal effort. Tuck them among your perennials to create a fuller looking bed, or create a special 'patterned' bulb garden to wow your neighbors. Many of these bulbs are ideal in containers; use them to liven up your porch or deck. And don't forget to plant extras for cut-flower bouquets!

Spring-Planted Bulb Varieties

The Right Bulbs for Your Garden

Fall-Planted Bulb Varieties

Fall Flowering Bulbs

Indoor Bulbs

Spring-Planted Bulb Categories

Anemone Bulbs Begonia Bulbs Caladium Bulbs Calla Lily Bulbs Canna Lily Bulbs Crocosmia Bulbs Dahlia Bulbs Elephant Ears Freesia Bulbs Gladiolus Bulbs Lily Bulbs Nerine Lily Bulbs Rain Lily Bulbs Ranunculus Bulbs Shamrock Bulbs Unique Spring Bulbs

Find the Right Flower Bulb for Your Garden

Whether you have acres of land or are creating a container garden on your balcony, the gardeners here at American Meadows are 100% commited to your success. One of the most important aspects of creating a successful garden is choosing the right Bulbs. We've made it easy by categorizing our Bulbs by growing conditions.

Most Popular Bulbs Bulk Spring Bulbs Spring Bulb Collections New Spring Bulbs Easy to Grow Bulbs Sun Loving Bulbs Shade Loving Bulbs Attract Butterflies Attract Hummingbirds Drought Tolerant Bulbs Moisture Loving Bulbs Deer Resistant Bulbs Fragrant Flower Bulbs Container Happy Bulbs Bulbs for Cut Flowers

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Flower Bulbs to Plant in Spring for Summer Blooms

What Are Flower Bulbs?

Bulbs are some of the easiest flowers to grow. That’s because the plant’s nutrition is neatly stored in the bulb. The term “bulb” applies to a large class of flowering and ornamental bulbous-like plants in their dormant condition such as corms, tubers and rhizomes.  A true bulb is a thickened, fleshy, and commonly subterranean bud, usually emitting roots from its underside and the stems, flowers, and foliage from the crown.

Spring-planted bulbs are sometimes called tender bulbs because they can’t survive freezing. Most must be lifted, or dug up, in zones 7 and farther north in the fall. Sometimes also called summer-blooming bulbs, spring-planted bulbs are planted in the spring and flower in the summer. Fall-planted bulbs, like tulips, daffodils, crocus and hyacinths, are planted in the fall and bloom the following spring.

Bulbs to Plant in Spring for Summer Blooms

Spring-planted bulbs are rewarding to grow because many go from bulb to bold flowers and foliage in months. For many gardeners, spring-planted bulbs offer a quick solution for bare spots in the flower beds. Many are treasured for their cut-flower qualities as well as their foliage. They’re also easy to grow and low maintenance. K. van Bourgondien offers a wide selection of spring-planted or tender bulbs including Anemones, Begonias, Calla Lilies, Caladiums, Cannas, Crocosmia, Dahlias, Elephant Ears, Freesia, Gladiolus, Lilies, Ranunculus, Tuberoses and other spring-planted bulbs. Let’s take a quick look at the 10 most popular types.

Anemones (Anemone)

Often growing 10-12 inches tall, Anemones have charming daisy-like flowers that open in late spring to early summer. Grown from corms, Anemones brighten the garden and cut-flower displays.

Begonias (Begonia)

Grown from tubers, Begonias are a favorite for hanging baskets and patio containers. The flowers are available in a range of hues and often quite large. Many begonias are grown in the shade or partial shade.

Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia)

Grown from rhizomes, Calla Lilies have elegant, cup-shaped blooms that are often used in wedding bouquets. Suitable for growing in containers or the garden, they are tender and must be dug up in the fall. Available in a wide range of colors, Calla Lilies bloom in early to midsummer.

Caladiums (Caladium)

Grown for their showy foliage, Caladiums are a must-have for brightening up shaded areas. The heart-shaped leaves may include shades of red, pink, green and white. Caladiums are tender tubers and often planted in patio containers, hanging baskets and window boxes.

Cannas (Canna)

Their lush tropical foliage and showy, brightly colored flowers make flowerbeds come alive in the summer. Dwarf Cannas grow about 20 inches tall and can be grown in containers, while the traditional Cannas grow 36-60 inches tall. Grown from rhizomes, they’ve been long valued by municipal and park gardeners as well as home owners.

Crocosmia (Crocosmia)

Easy to grow and reliable bloomers, Crocosmia burst into bloom in midsummer and add vivid color to the garden and cut-flower displays. Growing 24-36 inches tall and available in many colors, they look best planted in groups. They are grown from corms.

Dahlias (Dahlia)

An absolute must-have for the sunny garden, Dahlias produce showy blooms in an array of colors and flower forms from midsummer to frost. While they look stunning in the garden, they look fabulous in cut-flower arrangements and bouquets. Grown from tender tubers, they must be dug up in the fall in zones 7 and farther north.

Elephant Ears (Colocasia/Alocasia)

These massive tropical plants with their giant leaves add a touch of the tropics to gardens. Grown from corms, many gardeners plant Elephant Ears in large patio containers and bring them indoors when cooler weather sets in.

Gladiolus (Gladiolus)

A favorite for cut flowers, Gladiolus grow 36-48 inches tall and have 10-12 florets that grow along a stem. Available in an array of vivid colors, they bloom in mid to late summer. The petite Glamini Gladiolus grow about 24 inches tall and are suitable for containers. Grown from corms, Gladiolus must be dug up in the fall in zones 3-7.

Lilies (Lilium)

With their trumpet-shaped flowers and low maintenance, Lilies are the darlings of the summer garden and cut-flower displays. Available in several types, including Asiatic, Oriental, Border, Double and Giant, they are grown from bulbs. Their bloom times vary from early to late summer. Many lilies are cold hardy and do not need to be lifted in the fall.

Tips and Tricks for Growing, Planting & Caring for Bulbs that Bloom in Summer

To get your bulbs off to a good start and have them grow into vibrant plants, make sure they have good drainage. If the soil is constantly soggy, the roots will rot.

Getting good drainage in a pot or container is easy. Just make sure the pot has drainage holes, place gravel in the bottom of the pot and add soil.

In the garden or flowerbed, you can test for drainage by digging a hole that is 1-ft. deep and 1 ft. wide. Then fill the hole with water and record how long it takes for the water to completely drain. The ideal time is between 10 and 30 minutes. To improve your soil drainage, work lots of organic matter, such as aged manure, compost or peat moss into it.

If the soil has very poor drainage, you might want to consider growing bulbs in containers or raised beds.

How Do You Plant Bulbs in Spring for Summer Blooms?

No matter whether you’re planting true bulbs, corms, tubers or rhizomes, they all prefer well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. If the soil is not well-drained, the spring-planted bulbs could rot.

Where Do You Plant Summer-Flowering Bulbs?

When considering where to plant your bulbs take into account their light requirements. Some require full sun (six hours or more of direct sunlight daily), while others can grow in partial shade (usually defined as 2-6 hours of direct sunlight) or full shade (less than two hours of direct sunlight daily). Also take into account their mature height and spread. You want to give them space they need to spread out, and you want to plant them in a space in the garden where they can be seen but not block other flowers.

How Deep to Plant Spring-Planted Bulbs

The depth of planting for bulbs depends on their size. A good rule of thumb is that the depth should be three times the diameter of the bulb. Bulbs should be planted with the pointed end up.

How to Plant Bulbs in Pots

When planting bulbs in patio pots, window boxes or containers, plant the bulbs at the same depth you would if planting them in the ground. When planting bulbs in pots, make sure the pot has drainage holes, place a layer of gravel in the bottom of the pot, and then fill it with potting soil.

When to Fertilize Bulbs

Fertilize flower bulbs at planting time. We recommend Van Bourgondien 100% Natural Bulb Food and suggest avoid using a strong commercial fertilizer or fresh manure at planting time. As a general guideline, you can feed again with a natural food when foliage and flower spikes emerge.

When to Plant Summer-Flowering Bulbs

Most spring-planted bulbs are tender and susceptible to the cold. Therefore, if planting outdoors, wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before planting your spring bulbs. Many gardeners start their tender bulbs indoors in the spring and then transplant them to the garden after danger of frost has passed.

How to Store Spring-Planting Bulbs

In many areas of the country, tender bulbs must be dug up, or lifted, in the fall, stored indoors over winter, and then planted in the spring. In the fall, after the plant’s foliage has withered or turned brown by a light frost, dig up the bulbs. Air dry the bulbs in a well-ventilated area for about a week. Do not dry the bulbs in the sun. After drying the bulbs, they can be stored in dry peat moss or wood shavings in a brown paper bag, open crate or netted bag. Store them at 50-55 degrees F. in a dry location until time to replant.

 

15 fantastically beautiful bulbs planted in spring

We have compiled for you a list of the most unusual bulbs that can be planted in open ground, starting from the end of April. I bet you haven't even heard of some of them?

If you want to enjoy the flowering of bulbs not only in spring, but also in summer and even in autumn, allocate a corner on your site for these delightful crops that are planted in April-May.

1. Amaryllis belladonna

Amaryllis belladonna is a beauty with bright pink, lily-like flowers. This plant is native to South Africa.

Amaryllis bulbs are planted in April. In May, after the awakening of the bulb, leaves appear on the plant, which die off in June. Two months later, flower stalks and buds are formed on the stem, which bloom at the end of summer.

In warm and temperate climates, Amaryllis belladonna can overwinter in mulched soil. If your area experiences harsh winters, the bulb should be dug up after the aerial part of the plant has died and stored indoors at 13°C. nine0003

nine0023 20 cm

Flowering August-September
Plant height
60-90 cm
Planting depth
about 10 cm (the neck of the bulb should protrude slightly from the ground)
Distance between bulbs
Underground bulb
Light requirements

Purpose

2.

Striped bletilla

This orchid comes from Asia, but it has taken root well in our area. The most common color of bletilla is rich pink (for example, in varieties such as Bletilla striped Hyacinth or Gebina), but there are also varieties with white flowers (Alba - completely white and Albostriata - with white stripes). nine0003

Bletilla can be propagated by both seeds and root division. In the second case, a part with four pseudo-bulbs is separated from the root system and planted in a separate container.

Plants need to be repotted every 2-3 years.

nine0021

Flowering June-July
Plant height 20 cm
Planting depth 3 cm
Distance between bulbs 10 cm
Underground pseudobulb
Light requirements

Purpose

3.

Whitish galtonia

Another name for this South African plant is whitish hyacinth. This is a tall snow-white flower that will fill the garden with a delicate aroma. One or two dozen bell-shaped inflorescences are formed on one plant.

Galtonia is perfect for flowerbeds, mixborders or container plantings.

Galtonia does not like transplants very much and blooms well in one place for 4 seasons.

nine0002

Flowering July-September
Plant height 90-120 cm
Planting depth 15 cm (for bulb height)
Distance between bulbs 20 cm
Underground pseudobulb
Light requirements
Purpose

4.

Hymenocallis

This native of Peru has many names: hymenocallis, summer/sea/Peruvian daffodil, Nile lily, spider lily. Such an abundance of names was awarded to a fragrant flower with white-yellow flowers of a bizarre shape on a long stem without leaves.

Hymenocallis loves sunny, sheltered areas. When grown in containers, one plant requires a 13 cm pot. This flower also looks great in bouquets. nine0003

The most popular varieties of hymenocallis have white flowers : Advance, festalis Zvanenburg, Harrisiana . Decent variety with creamy yellow flowers - Salfur Queen .

nine0021

Flowering June-July
Plant height 30-60 cm
Planting depth approx. 10 cm (bulb should protrude from the ground)
Distance between bulbs 20 cm
Underground bulb
Light requirements

Purpose

5.

Crinum

Crinum is a late flowering bulbous plant native to South Africa. Crinum inflorescences are most often dark pink or white.

This plant is quite heat-loving, so it is most often grown in pots, covering or bringing it indoors during frosts. When grown in the ground, it is planted separately from the "relatives" - krinum loves solitude.

The most popular varieties are Powella (pink) and Powella Alba (white).

Flowering August-September
Plant height 60-120 cm
Planting depth 15-20 cm (bulb neck should remain above the ground)
Distance between bulbs 45 cm
Underground bulb
Light requirements

Purpose

6.

Levkokorina

Levkokorina comes from Chile, but her name is Greek - in translation it means "white mace". Although its inflorescences are not only white, but also purple. Levkokorina in many ways resembles freesia. nine0003

In warm climates, this bulbous plant is grown in flowerbeds and in group plantings, in cold climates - more often in containers. Levkokorina is also great for bouquets.

Of the 12 known species of levcocorina, 7 are the most common: Ixioid, Cokimbensis, Macropetala, Purple, Alliacia, Angustipetala, Appendiculata.

nine0021

Flowering August-September
Plant height 50 cm
Planting depth 3-4 cm
Distance between bulbs 1.5-2 cm (10 bulbs per 15 cm pot)
Underground small bulbs
Light requirements

nine0003

Purpose

7.

Lily

Lily is one of the most ancient flowers known in Europe and Asia. For several millennia, she has delighted flower growers with her appearance and delicate aroma.

Lilies look beautiful in single plantings, but they are most effective when planted in groups against a background of dark green shrubs or in a mixborder with dark blue and purple flowers. Given that in nature these plants often grow in the mountains, they are suitable for growing in a rocky garden at the foot of a rockery. If desired, the lily can also be grown in containers. nine0003

If the lily does well in your flower garden, it can grow in one place for many years.

The most popular lily varieties are Asian hybrids : Alaska (white), Compass (orange), London (yellow), Tuscany (pink), Gran Paradiso 9024 and etc. From the group Oriental hybrids , the following varieties are often grown: Acapulco (hot pink), Casa Blanca (white), Mona Lisa (pink), etc. There are also various varieties of North American hybrids, Tubular, Curly, Longiflorum lilies, which are less common with us.

Flowering June-August
Plant height 70-100 cm
Planting depth 15 cm
Distance between bulbs 30 cm
Underground bulb
Light requirements
Purpose

8. Nerine (Narina)

Nerine was brought to Europe from South Africa, although one of its names - Guernsey Lily - was given in honor of the British island in the English Channel. nine0003

This bulbous plant likes sunny windless areas and can be grown in containers or border plantings. Great for bouquets.

The color of nerina petals can be varied: white, yellow, orange, red, pink.

The two most popular types of nerine are Bowden and Sarnian . Both of them bloom in September-October, but in Nerine Bowden's plants, the leaves are already drying up by this moment, and in Nerine Sarnia, the foliage begins to grow only after flowering has ended. nine0003

nine0021

Flowering September-October
Plant height 35-90 cm
Planting depth approx. 15 cm (bulb neck must remain above the ground)
Distance between bulbs 20 cm
Underground bulb
Light requirements

Purpose

9.

Ornithogalum

Alternative names - birdman, Star of Bethlehem, Chincherinchiz.

This South African bulb does not tolerate low temperatures very well and is therefore recommended for growing in warm regions. Ornithogalum blooms profusely for several months and remains fresh for a long time when cut, so it is ideal for bouquets. nine0003

The flowers of this plant are white.

The most common tall varieties are Arabicum (80 cm) and Saundersea (100 cm). In plants of these varieties, the flowers are collected in a pyramidal brush. In addition, Arabicum has a black ovary. Another popular variety is Thyrsoid (35 cm).

Flowering Jun-Oct
Plant height 10-100 cm (depending on species)
Planting depth 5-10 cm (to bulb height)
Distance between bulbs 8-12 cm (depending on bulb size)
Underground bulb
Light requirement

Purpose

10.

Ranunculus

Ranunculus is called the Persian (or Asian) ranunculus. This is a favorite flower of florists, who use it in a variety of compositions, especially peony and double varieties.

This charming plant blooms all summer. It can be grown in flower beds, as a border in well-lit areas. nine0003

Before planting, ranunculus corms are soaked in water for an hour, and after planting, the ground is well watered.

Flowering June-August
Plant height 30-60 cm
Planting depth 2-5 cm
Distance between bulbs 8 cm
Underground corms with tubers
Light requirements

Purpose

11.

Sauromatum

Sauromatum is a very unusual plant that came to us from tropical Africa. It blooms with yellow-orange flowers with purple dots. nine0003

This bulbous exotic is grown in containers or individual pots. It is best to place sauromatum on verandas, balconies, patios away from direct sunlight. This bulbous prefers soft diffused light.

Sauromatum, like any tropical plant, likes moist, well-drained and organic soil.

nine0021

Flowering late May - June
Plant height 45 cm
Planting depth 15-20 cm
Distance between bulbs 8 cm
Underground large tuber
Light requirements

Purpose

12.

Tigridia

This Mexican bulb was so named because of its characteristic "brindle" coloration. Moreover, the color of the outer petals may vary depending on the variety: cream, white, yellow, red, pink. But the core of the flowers seems to be strewn with variegated spots.

An interesting feature of tigridia is that the flowering of each flower lasts only 1 day. Fortunately, several buds are formed on one plant. nine0003

People also call this plant the tiger flower.

Flowering July-October
Plant height 45-60 cm
Planting depth 8 cm
Distance between bulbs 10-14 cm
Underground corm
Light requirements

Purpose

13.

Tritonia

This South American plant loves warm, well-lit areas. In the southern regions, it can be grown in border plantings or flower beds without digging up the bulb for the winter. In colder climates, it is best to plant tritonia in containers. nine0003

This is a very beautiful flower, the color of the petals of which varies depending on the variety, but most often red-orange shades predominate.

Tritonia bulb may rot due to overwatering.

nine0021

Flowering June-August, in nature September-November
Plant height 30 cm
Planting depth 5 cm
Distance between bulbs 8-10 cm
Underground bulb
Light requirements

Purpose

14.

Eucomis

The small flowers of this bulbous are collected in a long cylindrical raceme, which is crowned with a green "comb" of leaves.

It is best to grow eucomis in individual pots or large containers of several plants in order to be able to bring the container indoors for the winter. The bulb does not need to be dug. During the dormant period, the plant, like other bulbs, does not need to be watered.

In its homeland, South Africa, Eucomis grows on wet mountain slopes, therefore, during the period of active growth and flowering, it needs good moisture, as well as regular top dressing. nine0003

If you live in the south, you can easily afford to grow eucomis in border plantings, in rocky gardens, in a flower bed.

Among flower growers the most demanded are Eukomis bicolor (green), Eukomis bicolor alba (white), Eukomis comosa , aka crested (mixed green and white).

nine0023 July-August

Flowering
Plant height 30-60 cm
Planting depth 5-6 cm (bulb must be completely covered with soil)
Distance between bulbs 8-10 cm
Underground bulb
Light requirements

Purpose

15.

Eucharis

Eucharis is a snow-white flower with South American "citizenship". It will delight you with its flowering all season.

If you plant the bulb in the spring (April - early May), the plant will flower in June. If the bulb hibernated in the ground, euharis will bloom buds at the end of May.

It is preferable to grow this bulb in containers (no more than 6 bulbs per container with a diameter of 30 cm). Since euharis does not like transplants, they change his "registration" every two years.

Eucharis species favored by flower growers - Candida (two waves of flowering per summer), Grandiflora (large white flowers, may bloom in winter), Bankeriana (white flowers with a green spot at the base).

nine0021 nine0021

Flowering May-October
Plant height up to 60 cm
Planting depth 5-6 cm (bulb must be completely covered with soil)
Distance between bulbs 5-10 cm
Underground bulb
Light requirements

Purpose

If you love bulbs as much as we do and decide to plant plants from our list in your flower garden, do not forget to share photos of flowers on our forum!

Based on ibulb. org

Which bulbous flowers are planted in spring? nine0001

Some bulbous flowers are not able to winter in the middle lane, as they cannot tolerate frost. Therefore, they are planted in the spring.

In the spring you can plant gladiolus and its subspecies ( glamini , acidantera ), perennial dahlias, babiana, ixia, sparaxis and and

Gladiolus, Glamini and Acidantera

These plants are planted in the ground in late May or early June, when the chance of night frost is minimal. To speed up the growth process, flower growers practice sprouting the bulbs of these plants at home by planting them in a container. This method is especially relevant for late varieties, which often do not have time to bloom during normal planting. nine0003

Gladiolus bulbs can be germinated at home before planting in the ground

Planting depth of these bulbs in the open ground should not exceed 3-4 cm. Gladiolus and their varieties are dug up in early September. If at this point the stems have not yet dried, then they should be cut, leaving about 10 cm from the base.

Glamini (left) and acidantera (right) are relatives of gladiolus

Dahlias

Various types of Dahlias are planted in the ground in mid-May, placed at a depth of about 20-30 cm. Large bulbs can be divided. After flowering is completed or before the onset of night frosts, the plants should be dug up, cut off the stems, leaving 15-20 cm from the base.

Dahlias are one of the most long-flowering ornamental plants

Babiana

Babiana is planted in mid-May at a depth of no more than 2 cm. Flowering of this plant occurs in late August or early September. This beauty is able to endure a mild winter in the ground, subject to good shelter, but it is better not to risk it and remove the bulbs from the ground at the end of September. nine0003

Since the babiana blooms rather late, by the time of digging, the ground part of it does not have time to dry. It is necessary to lay the bulbs not too close to each other in a warm room. After all the stems have dried, their remains should be removed, the bulbs cleaned and stored.

Babiana is considered a tropical plant, but it can be grown in the climate of the middle zone

Ixia

For best results in cultivation ixia , before planting in the ground, it must be germinated at home. About 4-6 weeks spent in a seedling container will help the flower prepare for planting in the garden and bloom in time. Plants should be planted in the ground at the end of May, placing the bulbs shallow, almost on the surface of the soil.

Ixia blooms only in mid-September. Since this plant has fairly dense and thick stems, by the time of probable frosts, its bulb does not have time to ripen. Immediately after flowering is complete, dig up the ixia and let the stems dry.

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