Gardeners eager for a colorful summer display can get a head start by planting bulbs in March, once the danger of frost has passed or by starting them indoors in colder regions. A selection of 21 bulbs—from begonias and dahlias to calla lilies and gladioli—offers a range of colors, sizes, and growing conditions to suit various garden spaces.
Bulbs are self-contained energy stores, containing the genetic blueprint and nutrients needed for the next season's growth. While spring-flowering bulbs require a cold dormancy period, summer bulbs are less cold-tolerant and need protection from frost. Planting summer bulbs in spring ensures a succession of blooms throughout the warm months.
Shade-Loving Begonias
Begonias are a reliable choice for shady spots, thriving in partial to full shade. The 'Orange Double' variety features ruffled orange petals and dark green foliage, growing up to 24 inches tall in hardiness zones 9-11. They perform well in containers and hanging baskets, requiring well-drained soil and regular watering. 'Pink Double' begonias, reaching 18 inches, offer layered pink blooms that attract pollinators, while 'Red Double' begonias bring bright red color to shaded borders. 'White Double' begonias, also up to 18 inches, provide snow-white flowers that drape nicely from hanging containers. 'Yellow Double' begonias, the shortest at 14 inches, produce ruffled yellow blooms ideal for porches and patios.
Dahlias for Sun and Partial Shade
Dahlias, native to Central America and Mexico, are popular summer bulbs that flourish in full sun to partial shade. 'Cloudy Sky' dahlias display painterly pink, white, and red hues, growing 1 to 6 feet tall in zones 7-10. 'Deutschland' dahlias feature dramatic red blooms up to 8 inches wide, while 'La Luna' dahlias offer soft yellow to cream flowers that resemble moonlight. 'Wittem' dahlias produce timeless white, crystal-like blossoms. All require well-drained soil and regular watering, and are relatively pest-resistant, making them suitable for beginners.
Calla Lilies and Other Favorites
Calla lilies, though not true lilies, are striking additions. 'Black Eyed Lady' has yellow blooms with black centers, while 'Golden Star' offers golden, flute-shaped flowers. 'Pasja' displays pink to purple hues, 'Red Alert' provides vivid red, and 'Apricot Frost' features soft apricot petals. These varieties grow 1 to 3 feet tall in zones 8-10, preferring full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They work well in garden beds, containers, and as cut flowers.
Gladioli, part of the Iris family, are known for tall spikes of blooms. 'Fidelo' offers fuchsia flowers on 3-5 foot stems, 'Flirty' has royal purple blooms, and 'Jester' features yellow petals with red accents. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming from midsummer to early fall. Lilies, with over 100 species, include 'Casa Blanca Oriental' with white, fragrant flowers, and 'Stargazer Oriental' with pink and white petals. Both grow 2-6 feet tall in zones 3-9. Canna lilies, such as 'Yellow Futurity', produce golden blooms on 1-3 foot plants in zones 6-10, preferring full sun to partial shade.
When planting any of these bulbs, ensure the soil is well-drained and follow specific depth and spacing guidelines. Starting indoors in colder climates can extend the growing season. With proper care, these bulbs will reward gardeners with a vibrant display from summer into early fall.
