25 Bulbs to Plant in Spring for Summer and Fall Blooms

When thinking about what bulbs to plant in spring, most gardeners call to mind autumn-planted favorites like daffodils and tulips. However, there are a host of bulbs to plant in spring for spring, summer and fall beauty. These warm-season beauties bring bold color and texture to garden beds, containers, and borders—perfect for filling in when early bloomers begin to fade.

Although we commonly refer to them all as “bulbs,” many of these plants—such as dahlias, callas and gladiolus—are technically tubers, rhizomes or corms. “We often collectively group them as ‘bulbs’ because they all have underground food storage organs. But they are actually called geophytes. They store food, water and minerals as energy to give the plant new life,” explains Peggy Anne Montgomery, a horticulturist with over 35 years of experience who works at Flowerbulb.eu a website designed to inspire and educate gardeners about flower bulbs. Montgomery studied horticulture and apprenticed in the Netherlands, where she raised a family and owned a landscape design firm for 10 years.

Read on to explore the many types bulbs to plant in spring, such as Dahlia 'Maarten Zwaan' (shown here), and get expert tips to grow these dramatic garden performers, whether you’re working with sunny borders or shady corners.

Once you’ve selected your bulbs and a planting site with the recommended sun exposure, work organic matter into the soil for drainage (this helps prevent wet, rotting bulbs). Incorporate an organic bulb fertilizer to boost soil health. Some bulbs do not require water at planting time but plants should be regularly watered once they're actively growing. Many spring-planted bulbs excel as container plants, too — although for plants with large root systems, opt for dwarf varieties (unless you have a giant pot). In general, plant bulbs after all danger of frost has passed. Some will bloom heartily in their first season while others will grow more robust if they can perennialize. Enjoy a lush garden thanks to spring-planted bulbs.

Also known as lily of the Nile or African lily, agapanthus is a beloved ornamental prized for its striking summer blooms and elegant form. With low-growing, lance-shaped foliage and tall, slender stems reaching 24 to 30 inches high, each topped with a burst of tiny, bell-shaped flowers in shades of white to lavender blue, agapanthus offers a showy display reminiscent of allium and amaryllis.

While commonly grouped with summer bulbs to plant in spring, agapanthus technically grows from a bare-root start rather than a true bulb. Still, for practical purposes, it can be handled like a bulb during planting. “I love growing Agapanthus because they remind me of being in the Mediterranean in the summertime,” says Montgomery, “They're planted widely in Greece and love the hot weather. And, unlike most plants, they like being crowded in their pots, so yearly repotting isn't necessary.”

To grow agapanthus successfully, plant it in sun to part shade, spacing roots about 12 inches apart if planted in the ground and covering them with an inch of soil. Expect blooms from June to July, although plants may need a couple of seasons to fully establish before flowering. Agapanthus is hardy in USDA Gardening Zones 8 to 10.

If you're looking for a reliable plant to brighten up shady corners, caladium fits the bill beautifully. This tropical stunner features heart-shaped leaves that rise gracefully on slender stems, adding a light, airy presence to garden beds and containers. “Every gardener needs a trusty plant that can lend color and light to shady spots,” says Montgomery. “Caladium is an easy-growing tropical plant with heart-shaped leaves levitating atop graceful stems. With varieties ranging from classic white variegation to painterly splashes of pink, caladium has quick-growing ornamental value—no flowers necessary.”

To grow caladium, plant the bulbs about a foot apart and one inch deep in full shade to part sun. The foliage typically grows 24 to 30 inches tall. Though only hardy in USDA Zone 10, caladium thrives as a seasonal accent in cooler climates and can be overwintered indoors or treated as an annual. It's equally at home in containers or tucked among perennials for a long-lasting splash of color.

This tropical stunner makes a striking focal point in the summer garden, with its bold, punchbowl-shaped blooms and broad, lime-green leaves. Towering up to 6 to 8 feet tall, canna lilies bring instant drama and lushness to any sunny space. For gardeners who love the look but prefer a more compact plant, dwarf varieties offer the same vibrant flair on a smaller scale.

“I couldn't garden without Canna lilies, and they are the only bulb (or rhizome) I overwinter indoors because they are so forgiving,” says Montgomery. “They instantly give you that tropical feel, and who doesn't wish they were on vacation? I grow them in big pots and in the ground.”

To grow cannas, plant rhizomes 18 to 24 inches apart and about 4 to 6 inches deep in full sun (not 12 inches, which is too deep). They spread quickly and often flower in their first season. “Be sure to deadhead them; they'll repeat blooming until the first frost,” says Montgomery. Hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 10, cannas are also easily overwintered indoors in colder climates.

For a beautiful display, explore the selection at the fourth-generation, family-run Horn Canna Farm. Pictured here are Tropicanna canna (striped leaves with orange blooms), Tropicanna Gold (green and yellow striped leaves with yellow-orange flowers), and Tropicanna Black (deep burgundy leaves with vivid red blooms).

“Crinum lilies are one of those show-stopper plants in my garden,” says Montgomery, “People can't get over the height of the stems or the delicate flowers.” Also known as cape lily or swamp lily, crinum is a classic Southern garden staple, often shared as heirloom plants among neighbors and passed down through generations. With 15 to 20 fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers per tall, sturdy stem, crinum lilies deliver a striking display with minimal upkeep.

These resilient bulbs thrive in full sun to part shade, planted about 24 inches apart and one inch deep. They adapt well to various soil types, from dry to boggy conditions, and naturalize readily over time. While crinum may not bloom in its first season, patience is well rewarded as the plant matures and multiplies. “It's a specimen plant and worth the wait,” says Montgomery. For a unique addition to your landscape, explore the exceptional selection at Plant Delights Nursery. Crinum is hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 10.

With its sword-shaped leaves and fiery, tubular blooms, Crocosmia (Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora, also known as Montbretia) injects a bold burst of color into the late summer garden—just when many plants are starting to fade. They are Native to South Africa but grown worldwide. “I can’t understand why more people don’t grow them,” says Montgomery, “They bloom in late summer when my garden looks a little tired from the heat. The flowers are stunning and bright, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies in droves. If you plant enough, you'll have some for cut flower arrangements to bring indoors.”

Plant Crocosmia bulbs in full sun, spacing them 3 to 4 inches apart and about 2 inches deep. While they may take a few seasons to fully establish, the payoff is well worth the wait, as they will bloom reliably for years. Notable varieties include ‘Emily McKenzie,’ ‘George Davidson,’ and the vivid ‘Orange Lucifer.’ Hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 10.

With a stunning array of colors, shapes, and sizes, dahlias are the unrivaled divas of the late summer and early fall garden. “It’s hard to think of a plant group with more diversity in size, form and color,” says Montgomery.

“Grown from tubers, these blooms thrive in sunny, well-drained spots and reward gardeners with months of bold, cheerful flowers. In hotter Southern climates, they benefit from some afternoon shade, while all regions can help dahlias flourish with deep mulch and supportive staking or horizontal netting,” according to Montgomery. Dahlias bloom readily in their first season and can be divided and replanted in following years for continued performance. While hardy in USDA Zones 8 to 11, gardeners in Zone 7 may succeed with overwintering under mulch or row cover. “But I don’t like overwintering them. They often get moldy, and it’s kind of a hassle, so I just grow them as annuals,” says Montgomery. “The price point is about the same as annuals at the garden center, so why not? Avoid the heartache; it’s okay to let them go.”

Gladiolus, or “glads,” are classic cottage garden flowers, often seen blooming around long-abandoned homesteads. Though once considered old-fashioned, glads are experiencing a revival. “I can remember my grandmother growing these, but they aren't an old lady plant anymore!” says Montgomery. “They've become really popular again, and I love it.”

Hybrid gladiolus are widely used for ornamental gardening and cut flower arrangements, with their bold, candy-colored spikes making a striking statement in any bouquet. Species types, like Gladiolus byzantinus, offer more subtle beauty and slightly earlier blooms. “G. byzantinus is a favorite that I grow in my gravel garden,” Montgomery adds. “If I had to pick a favorite, this one might be it.” Montgomery also grows glads specifically for cut flowers. “A big vase full of three-foot-long glad stems is simply to die for,” she says.

For best results, plant glads in full sun, spacing corms 3 to 4 inches apart and 6 inches deep. Their blooms appear from midsummer to early fall and are impressively abundant, even in their first season. Hardy in Zones 7 to 10.

Pineapple lily (Eucomis autumnalis) is an easy-to-grow stunner that deserves a place in any container collection. This exotic South African native sends up flower spikes that bloom gradually from the bottom up, each topped with a tuft of lime-green leaves reminiscent of a pineapple crown. “I grow 50 or more containers in various sizes every year, and pineapple lilies are always in the mix,” says Montgomery. “When they’re blooming, they get the prized place in the garden—often on tables so we can enjoy them close up. Several pots down the center of our outdoor dining table looks so unique and interesting, and honestly, most people have never seen them before.”

It’s a favorite of pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies and thrives in full sun. Hardy in Zones 7 to 10.

Also known as zephyr or fairy lilies, rain lilies are enchanting summer bloomers with grassy foliage and delicate, open-faced flowers that seem to appear like magic after a warm rain. Rain lilies were introduced to North America in the 1800s, and their charm still captivates gardeners today.

Native to regions stretching from Texas into Central America, these bulbs relish the heat and thrive in sunny garden spots. White varieties are hardy to Zones 7 to 10, while pink types are a bit more tender, hardy in Zones 8 to 10. “Rain lilies enjoy the warmth of our gravel garden, where they spread but not invasively,” says Montgomery. “Like dahlias and caladiums, they must be planted when the soil warms up. A good rule of thumb is to plant them at the same time you would plant tomatoes outdoors.” In colder regions, they’re easy to grow in containers—just bring them indoors when temperatures dip below 50°F. Plant the bulbs 1 to 2 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart, and be sure to get them in the ground as soon as possible after delivery, as recommended by Old House Gardens.

Not even the finest perfume can rival the intoxicating fragrance of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa). Native to Mexico, this late-summer bloomer produces creamy white flower spikes that rise to about 36 inches, drawing in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with their irresistible scent. “If fragrant flowers are your thing, buy these now!” says Montgomery. “The fragrance is similar to gardenia and jasmine with a touch of honey. Heavenly.”

Tuberose bulbs should be planted an inch deep and 6 inches apart in full sun to light shade. Blooming in August and September, they’re most often seen in white, but dreamy cultivars in blush, lavender and pale yellow are also available. Hardy in Zones 8 to 10, they may overwinter in Zone 7 with protection but perform best when lifted and replanted each spring.

Amaryllis belladonna, commonly known as "naked ladies," is a striking late-summer bloomer that adds a touch of surprise to the garden. This South African native sends up clusters of fragrant, trumpet-shaped pink flowers on tall, leafless stems—hence the name. “Naked ladies are so named because they bloom on naked stems,” explains Montgomery. “The foliage comes up in spring and looks a bit like daffodil foliage, but then the foliage dies back, and you forget about them. In late summer they pop up and surprise you with fast growing stems and gorgeous flowers. I love the surprise. It’s like getting a wonderful present you weren’t expecting!”

Plant bulbs in well-drained soil and full sun, spacing them about 6 inches apart and just below the surface. Hardy in Zones 7 to 10, they’re drought-tolerant once established and thrive with minimal care—just be patient and let nature work its magic.

Calla lilies bring sculptural elegance to gardens, patios, and tabletops alike. Callas will bloom from early to late summer and can reach 18 to 24 inches tall, like the vibrant orange variety ‘Be My Main Squeeze.’ Hardy in Zones 8 to 12, they also make beautiful houseplants. “It’s hard to think of a more elegant flower,” says Montgomery. “My big Callas are in the ground, but these smaller sizes are perfect for small pots that I can move around the garden as they begin to bloom. And the choice of colors is amazing. I grow my tabletop Callas as annuals.” While classic white callas are a staple in wedding arrangements, modern varieties bloom in a stunning array of shades—yellow, pink, orange, rose, deep red and lavender.

In Zones 8 to 10, you can plant calla bulbs any time of year. In colder zones, wait until after the last frost and when soil temperatures reach 60–65°F. Plant bulbs 4 inches deep with the growing tips facing up

Add bold, tropical flair to your garden with elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta), known for their lush, oversized leaves that instantly create a vacation vibe. “These go together with our Cannas, hardy bananas and other tropical favorites,” says Montgomery. “We like to say, ‘Go big or go home!’ at our house, so these are always on the menu. Perfect for your tropical staycation.”

Plant elephant ear bulbs outdoors after the last frost, once soil temperatures reach about 65°F—or start them indoors 4 to 6 weeks earlier. Place the bulbs pointy side up in 5-inch-deep holes, with the tops about an inch below the surface. Light preferences vary by variety—some thrive in full sun, others in partial shade or filtered light. Most Colocasia types are hardy in Zones 9 to 11 but can be grown as annuals in cooler climates (Zones 3 to 8) or dug up and stored indoors over winter. 'Maui Gold,' a compact Royal Hawaiian variety, reaches 24 to 40 inches tall and is hardy in Zones 8 to 11. Note: Both Alocasia and Colocasia are called elephant ears, though they differ in growth habits and care.

Also known as desert candles, yellow foxtail lilies (Eremurus stenophyllus) add a dramatic vertical element to the garden with tall spikes of golden blooms that rise in late spring to early summer. “I grow these in my gravel garden, and they are simply stunning, the tubers look like big starfish” says Montgomery.

You need to be careful foxtail lilies don’t dry out before you plant them, so try to plant them as soon as you get them, and you can always soak them for about an hour before planting. They dislike being disturbed, so it's best to plant them directly in the garden rather than in containers. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to around 55°F. Plant the tubers 5 inches deep and space them 8 to 10 inches apart. These sun-loving perennials can reach towering heights of 6 to 8 feet and are winter hardy in Zones 5 to 8, though Zones 5 and 6 growers should mulch well over winter and remove the mulch in early spring.

Chocolate cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus) delights both the eyes and nose with its velvety, dark purple blooms and rich, chocolatey scent. “These beauties are at home in borders with your perennial favorites,” says Montgomery. “After the first flush of blooms, cut them back to about a foot to encourage another round of blooms.”

Unlike the more common annual cosmos, chocolate cosmos is a tender perennial grown from tubers, which can be treated like bulbs. Start them indoors a few weeks before the last frost, or plant them directly in the garden once the danger of frost has passed. Plants reach 16 to 24 inches tall and bloom from midsummer into late summer, drawing in butterflies with their sweet fragrance. In colder climates, dig up the tubers and store them in a frost-free place over winter, or bring containers indoors. Hardy in Zones 7 to 11.

If you love fragrant flowers, turn to 'Stargazer' lilies (Lilium orientalis 'Stargazer'). “I’m a lily fanatic and grow as many as I can get my hands on,” says Montgomery. “‘Stargazers’ and all other Oriental lilies have upward-facing flowers and a divine scent. Great for borders where they’ll attract pollinators. Be sure to plant enough to have some for cut flowers for yourself and family and friends.” These showstoppers bloom in mid to late summer with striking pink-and-white petals on stems that can reach up to 4 feet tall. A newer hybrid, ‘Golden Stargazer,’ offers yellow blooms with red speckles for a sunny twist on the classic.

Plant bulbs 6 to 8 inches deep in fall or early spring. They’re hardy in Zones 4 to 9 and thrive in sunny borders or containers. When growing indoors, choose pots at least 6 inches wide, give them bright, indirect light, and maintain nighttime temps above 60°F. Note: lilies forced to bloom indoors often won’t bloom again the following year.

Eye-catching and architectural, alliums send up striking globes of tiny flowers on slender stems, creating bold statements in garden beds and containers alike. “They make a big statement planted in large numbers,” says Montgomery. “Mine are planted with Japanese Painted Fern, so the purple allium flowers echo the purple of the fern foliage. The spent flowers remain attractive and can be left or used in dried flower arrangements. Pollinator magnet!”

“I usually plant my allium in the fall, but you can plant them in spring, though you may wait a year for the flowers,” says Montgomery. Though fall planting is ideal to ensure strong blooms, spring planting is possible—just expect a delay in flowering. Alliums prefer loose, well-draining soil and should be planted at the depth indicated on their packaging (larger bulbs go deeper than smaller ones). Their foliage appears first, followed by blooms from late spring to early summer in hues of purple, white, yellow, or blue. Heights vary widely, from just 5 inches to up to 4 feet tall. Most varieties are hardy in Zones 4 to 8.

If you're looking for a unique addition to your late-summer garden, Mexican shellflower (Tigridia pavonia) is a must. “These attract attention in the late summer garden,” says Montgomery. “It isn't a common bulb, so if you want something unique, this is it. Chances are, your friends aren’t growing this one.” Also known as tiger flower, jockey's cap lily, or peacock flower, this bulb produces exotic, three-petaled blooms in vivid shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, magenta or white, each with a spotted or freckled center cup. Though each bloom lasts just one day—closing in the early evening—the plant continues to produce new flowers over several weeks.

Hardy in Zones 8 to 10, Tigridia bulbs should be lifted and stored in colder zones or grown as annuals. Plant them in spring, either in garden beds or containers, and expect 12- to 18-inch-tall bursts of tropical color by midsummer.

Gladiolus acidanthera, commonly known as the peacock orchid, is a graceful, underused summer bulb that brings a touch of elegance to sunny gardens and containers. “This is another underused bulb, a summer bloomer reminiscent of gladiolus,” says Montgomery. “The stem and foliage are narrow and 2–3 feet tall. I tuck them into my sunny containers for a summer surprise.” The fragrant, white flowers with deep purple centers open on slender stalks that reach 18 to 24 inches tall. Despite its name, the peacock orchid isn’t an orchid at all—it's related to irises and gladioluses.

Plant the bulbs in spring, 3 to 5 inches deep, for midsummer to late-summer blooms. In colder climates, lift the bulbs after the foliage yellows and before the first freeze. Store them in peat moss in a well-ventilated box at around 50°F until spring. They can also be grown in pots indoors and moved outside when warm weather returns. Hardy in Zones 4 to 9.

Gloriosa lilies (Gloriosa rothschildiana), also known as fire lilies, are exotic climbers that deliver a dramatic burst of color from midsummer to frost. With their vivid, reflexed petals and striking yellow-edged red blooms, they make a real statement in any sunny spot.

“This is a stunner, but a little finicky,” says Montgomery. “Give them a sunny, sheltered location and something to climb on. I don’t think they compete with other plants very well, so don’t crowd them in the pot.” These deciduous vines grow from tubers that should be planted horizontally, 2 to 4 inches deep, after all danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, start them indoors and move them outside once the weather warms. Gloriosas grow 5 to 6 feet tall with the help of thin supports, and they thrive in containers where their fragile vines and tubers are easier to protect. Treat them as annuals or lift and store the tubers in a cool spot before the first frost. Hardy in Zones 8 to 10.

Also known as Chinese summer ground orchid, hyacinth orchid, or urn orchid, Bletilla striata is a surprisingly easy-to-grow terrestrial orchid that brings an elegant touch to garden borders and containers. “When these orchids bloom, I feel like such an accomplished gardener,” says Montgomery. “When in fact, they're dead easy to grow. I have them planted in a border and don't do anything special for them. I probably don’t deserve them, but they grow like crazy.” 'Pink', a popular variety, produces cattleya-like blooms in shades of pink to purplish-lavender from late spring into summer.

Plant the bulbs in spring, 2 to 3 inches deep and about 4 inches apart. Mature plants reach 1 to 2 feet tall and are hardy in Zones 5 to 9. In colder climates, mulch well for winter protection or grow them in pots you can bring indoors during the colder months.

Sometimes called Persian buttercups, ranunculus are cool-season charmers known for their rose-like blooms that make them a favorite among high-end florists. “I grow these in pots as annuals, there is something so romantic about the flowers” says Montgomery. Ranunculus mature at 8 to 18 inches tall and bloom in late summer.

“The corms look like little octopuses; soak them for a few hours but not longer for a good start,” Montgomery instructs. Then, plant the corms with their “claws” facing down after the last spring freeze—2 to 3 inches deep and 6 to 8 inches apart in garden beds. For a head start, begin indoors in containers about 12 weeks before your last frost, planting them 2 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart. Once the foliage yellows and dies back, stop watering and let the corms go dormant. Hardy in Zones 8 to 11; in cooler climates, they’re often grown as annuals.

Freesias are a top pick for cut flower arrangements. “I love freesia for cut flowers because of their sweet fragrance,” says Montgomery. Freesias grow 12 to 24 inches tall and are available in a wide range of colors, with both single and double bloom forms.

“Except in the warmest parts of the country, you’ll grow them as annuals and wait to plant them out until the ground warms up,” Montgomery says. These members of the iris family thrive in cool conditions, performing best when daytime temperatures hover around 55 to 60°F. Once temps rise above 70°F, flowering tends to stop. In Zones 9 and 10, freesias can be planted in the fall for late winter to early spring blooms. In Zones 3 to 8, plant them in spring for late summer flowering. Set the corms one inch deep with the pointed ends facing up. In colder zones, treat them as annuals or dig up the corms before the first frost, let them dry, and store them in sand or peat moss in a cool, dark, dry spot until replanting.