Think it’s too late to plant bulbs? Think again. June is actually the perfect time to tuck in a whole set of summer-blooming bulbs that will reward you with colorful, dramatic flowers just when your garden craves it most. These 18 late-start stunners are made for warm soil and long days, and they’re not shy about showing off.
From the bold canna lilies to the graceful gladiolus, these bulbs grow fast, bloom hard, and often last deep into late summer or even early fall. Some are tropical showpieces, while others are pollinator magnets that bring hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies flocking to your yard. And the best part? Many of them do just fine in containers, meaning you don’t even need a full garden bed to join in the fun.
Whether you’ve been busy or just got inspired, there’s still time to make your garden burst with life. These summer bloomers don’t mind a late start—in fact, they prefer it. Plant them now and prepare to be amazed by just how quickly beauty grows.
Dahlia
With their striking colors and full blooms, Dahlias are the showstoppers of any garden. These flowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every taste. Originating from Mexico, Dahlias thrive in warmer climates and love a sunny spot in the garden. Plant them in well-drained soil, and they’ll reward you with continuous blooms throughout summer. Their pom-pom, cactus, or dinner-plate forms create a dynamic visual display that is hard to resist. A favorite among florists, Dahlias also make excellent cut flowers for vibrant bouquets.
Gladiolus
Tall and elegant, Gladiolus flowers are often the backbone of summer floral arrangements. These towering spikes are adorned with trumpet-shaped blossoms that open sequentially from the bottom up. Planted in June, they offer a cascade of color that can last well into the late summer months. Gladiolus are easy to grow and require little maintenance, making them a great choice for novice gardeners. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, and their vertical growth adds depth to any garden layout. These blooms are truly a garden’s graceful giants.
Canna Lily
If you’re looking to bring a touch of the tropics to your garden, the Canna Lily is an excellent choice. Known for their large, lush foliage and vibrant blooms, these plants make a bold statement. Cannas are not true lilies, but they offer equally stunning flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. They prefer a sunny location and thrive in moist, well-drained soil. Their growth is vigorous, and they can quickly fill out a space with their dramatic presence. Cannas are perfect for container gardens or as a focal point in landscape design.
Oriental Lily
Renowned for their mesmerizing fragrance and large, star-shaped flowers, Oriental Lilies are an unforgettable addition to any garden. These lilies bloom in mid to late summer, offering a cascade of beauty and scent. They are perfect for creating a romantic or sophisticated garden atmosphere. Plant them in well-drained soil with good air circulation to prevent disease. Oriental Lilies prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Their striking appearance makes them a popular choice for bouquets, and they can often be found gracing weddings and formal events.
Begonia
Exquisite Begonias are shade-loving beauties that bring color to less sunny parts of the garden. Their delicate blooms come in various colors, including red, pink, and white, set against a backdrop of lush green foliage. Begonias thrive in humid conditions and prefer well-drained soil. They are versatile, making them suitable for hanging baskets, window boxes, or garden beds. These plants are relatively low-maintenance, needing regular watering but not too much fuss. Their ability to bloom continuously throughout summer makes them a gardener’s delight.
Calla Lily
Calla Lilies exude elegance with their sleek, trumpet-shaped blooms and dark green foliage. These plants are not true lilies, yet they offer a similar level of sophistication to garden displays. Calla Lilies thrive in moist, well-drained soil and prefer a sunny to partially shaded spot. They’re ideal for container planting or along the edges of ponds and water features. Available in a range of colors, from classic white to deep purple, these flowers can add a touch of class to any setting. Calla Lilies are also popular in floral arrangements for their unique form.
Liatris
Liatris, often known as blazing star or gayfeather, adds vertical interest to summer gardens with its spiky blooms. These hardy perennials are native to North America and are beloved by pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Liatris flowers start blooming from the top of the spike downward, creating a unique flowering pattern. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal for borders or wildflower gardens. Their vibrant purple flowers make a striking statement and can be used in both fresh and dried floral arrangements.
Tuberose
Tuberose is celebrated for its intensely fragrant blooms that fill the evening air with a sweet scent. These night-blooming beauties are ideal for planting in June, as they thrive in warm conditions. Originating from Mexico, Tuberose prefers full sun and well-drained soil. The creamy white flowers grow on tall spikes, making them perfect for the back of flower beds. They are also widely used in perfumes due to their strong fragrance. Tuberose blooms are a must for anyone looking to add a sensory experience to their garden.
Anemone
Anemones, often referred to as ‘windflowers,’ bring a touch of grace to any garden setting with their delicate blooms. These flowers are characterized by their simple, cup-shaped petals that come in shades of white, pink, and purple. Anemones are versatile and can thrive in both sunny and partially shaded locations. They prefer well-drained soil and are excellent for woodland gardens or borders. Blooming from late spring into summer, Anemones provide a continuous display of color and are loved for their natural, understated beauty.
Crocosmia
Crocosmia, with its bright and fiery blooms, injects energy and warmth into any garden. These plants feature arching stems adorned with tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Originally from South Africa, Crocosmia thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Their bold colors and dynamic shapes make them a favorite for adding height and interest to borders. Crocosmia is also loved by hummingbirds and butterflies, adding an extra layer of life to your garden. Their vibrant presence ensures a lively summer display.
Eucomis
Eucomis, or pineapple lily, is a quirky addition to any garden with its exotic appearance. The plant’s name stems from its resemblance to a pineapple, with a tuft of leaves crowning the flower spike. These blooms come in various shades of green, purple, and white, providing a unique visual display. Eucomis prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil and can be grown in containers or flower beds. Its unusual form adds a focal point and conversation starter in any garden, ensuring it’s always a topic of admiration.
Freesia
Freesias are known for their delightful fragrance and vibrant colors, making them a cherished choice for both gardens and bouquets. These flowers bloom on arching stems, offering a rainbow of colors from yellow to purple. Freesias prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and they’re excellent for planting in borders or containers. Their long-lasting blooms are perfect for cutting, allowing gardeners to enjoy their beauty indoors as well. Freesias are relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, and deliver continuous summer blooms.
Acidanthera
Acidanthera, also known as the Abyssinian gladiolus, is prized for its graceful, aromatic blooms. The flowers feature white petals with a contrasting dark maroon center, creating a striking appearance. Acidanthera thrives in sunny, well-drained spots and adds a touch of elegance to borders and containers. These blooms are particularly noted for their sweet scent, which intensifies in the evening, making them perfect for planting near patios or windows. The delicate nature of Acidanthera flowers provides a touch of sophistication and beauty to any garden.
Zephyranthes
Zephyranthes, often called rain lilies, are delightful flowers that bloom after summer showers, bringing a burst of color to the garden. These charming plants produce small, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and yellow. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, making them versatile additions to various garden settings. Zephyranthes are low-maintenance and can naturalize in the right conditions, offering a resilience that endears them to gardeners. Their cheerful blooms and ability to surprise make them a joyful presence in your outdoor space.
Oxalis
Oxalis, with its shamrock-like leaves and charming flowers, brings a playful touch to any garden. This plant is loved for its dainty pink, white, or yellow blooms that stand out against the lush greenery. Oxalis prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil, making it suitable for rock gardens, borders, or containers. It’s a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care once established. The dynamic movement of Oxalis leaves, which close at night and open with sunlight, adds an interactive element to the garden, delighting both adults and children alike.
Ranunculus
Ranunculus flowers, with their delicate, paper-like petals, offer an elegant addition to any floral arrangement. These multi-layered blooms come in a wide array of colors, including pink, orange, and yellow. Ranunculus prefers cool, well-drained soil and thrives in sunny locations. Although they require a bit more care and attention, the stunning results are worth the effort. These flowers are perfect for borders or as cut flowers, and their long-lasting beauty makes them a favorite among gardeners. The intricate layers of Ranunculus add texture and depth to garden displays.
Galtonia
Galtonia, also known as the summer hyacinth, showcases bell-shaped blooms that dangle gracefully from tall stems. Originating from South Africa, this bulbous plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its white flowers offer a fresh, clean look that complements any garden design. Galtonia is ideal for planting in borders or as a backdrop plant, where its height can add dimension and interest. These flowers not only look beautiful but also attract pollinators, bringing an added benefit to your garden ecosystem. Their elegant form and gentle sway in the breeze make them a serene addition to outdoor spaces.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis is renowned for its spectacular blooms that can brighten any indoor or outdoor space. These flowers are available in a variety of colors, with red being one of the most popular. Amaryllis prefers a sunny spot and well-drained soil, making it suitable for pots or garden beds. Their large, trumpet-shaped flowers are both striking and elegant, commanding attention wherever they’re planted. Amaryllis bulbs are often forced indoors to bloom during the winter, but when planted in June, they provide a stunning summer display. Their bold colors and dramatic presence make them a favorite among flower enthusiasts.