Forget the calendar—summer’s not waiting, and neither should you. Think you missed your shot at planting bulbs? Wrong. Plenty of summer showstoppers are just getting started, and there’s still time to get them in the ground. Gladiolus will shoot up like fireworks. Dahlias? They’ll strut through August like they own the place. And calla lilies—don’t even get us started. Drama. Elegance. Zero shame. These bulbs don’t mind the late start. They just need sun, decent soil, and a gardener who’s ready to play catch-up. And the best part? You won’t be waiting till next year for the payoff. This is your green light to plant bold, plant fast, and plant for now. So dust off that trowel. Grab any pot or patch of dirt. Because these 20 bulbs are ready to bloom—and they don’t care what month it is.
Dahlia
Known for their striking visual appeal, Dahlias come in a variety of colors and sizes. With origins in Mexico, these flowers are celebrated for their bold patterns and lush petals. Plant them in a sunny spot and watch them flourish. Dahlias are not only beautiful but also versatile, suitable for bouquets and garden displays alike.
Their ability to bloom continuously throughout the summer makes them a gardener’s delight. Did you know? Dahlias were used by the Aztecs for both decorative and culinary purposes. Embrace their historical charm and let them be the star of your garden!
Lily
Lily flowers, with their graceful shapes and intoxicating fragrance, bring a touch of elegance to any garden. These perennials are easy to grow and flourish in well-drained soil. Plant them in a sunny or partially shaded area to enjoy their beauty.
Lilies have been symbols of purity and refined beauty in various cultures. Each bloom tells a different story. Fun fact: The Greeks believed lilies sprouted from the milk of Hera, queen of the gods. Invite these divine blossoms into your garden and enjoy a summer filled with their enchanting allure.
Gladiolus
Gladiolus flowers are known for their tall, elegant spikes of vibrant blooms. These striking flowers add vertical interest and a splash of color to any garden. Plant them in full sun and well-drained soil for best results.
Their name is derived from the Latin word ‘gladius,’ meaning sword, a nod to their sword-like leaves. Gladiolus are often associated with strength and integrity. They make excellent cut flowers, bringing a bright, cheerful vibe indoors. Enjoy the spectacle of gladiolus and let them be your garden’s proud banner of summer.
Canna
Cannas bring a touch of the tropics to your garden with their large, colorful blooms and lush foliage. These sun-loving plants thrive in warm temperatures and well-drained soil. Known for their bold presence, cannas can transform any garden into a tropical paradise.
Their robust nature and continuous blooming make them a favorite among gardeners. Did you know? Cannas were once cultivated for their edible roots in some cultures. Add a splash of the exotic to your garden with these stunning plants and enjoy their tropical allure throughout the summer.
Begonia
Begonias are versatile flowers known for their bright colors and asymmetrical leaves. They thrive in shady areas and are perfect for adding color to those hard-to-fill spots in your garden. Begonias are low-maintenance and can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, or garden beds.
Their ability to bloom continuously makes them a gardener’s go-to for summer color. Historically, begonias symbolize caution and friendship. Embrace their cheerful presence in your garden and let them brighten up your outdoor spaces with their vibrant hues.
Caladium
Caladiums are cherished for their striking foliage rather than blooms. Their large, heart-shaped leaves come in a variety of color combinations, including pink, red, white, and green. Plant them in shady areas to enhance their leaf color and vibrancy.
Despite their lack of flowers, caladiums bring a unique beauty to gardens. Fun fact: Caladiums originated in South America and were once used by indigenous people for medicinal purposes. Add them to your garden for a splash of color and texture that lasts all summer long.
Elephant Ear
Elephant ears are all about drama, with their enormous, heart-shaped leaves that add a tropical flair to any garden. These plants thrive in warm, humid conditions and can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
Their bold foliage creates a striking backdrop for other plants. Did you know? Elephant ears are related to taro, a root vegetable popular in many cuisines. Their grandeur and exotic appearance make them a standout feature in any garden, bringing a sense of adventure and lushness to your outdoor space.
Calla Lily
Calla lilies are known for their elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms and glossy foliage. These flowers thrive in well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight. Their unique shape and striking appearance make them a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements.
Calla lilies have a rich history and are often associated with purity and beauty. In ancient Rome, they were symbols of celebration. Plant these stunning flowers in your garden to enjoy their serene elegance and timeless beauty throughout the summer.
Crocosmia
Crocosmia, with their arching stems and bright orange blooms, bring a fiery touch to summer gardens. These sun-loving plants thrive in well-drained soil and add a splash of vibrant color to borders and beds.
Their lively appearance and easy care make them a favorite among gardeners. Did you know? Crocosmia is also known as ‘Montbretia’ and originates from South Africa. Introduce these dynamic flowers to your garden and enjoy the bright, cheerful display they bring throughout the summer season.
Tuberose
Tuberoses are prized for their intense fragrance and delicate white blooms. These night-blooming flowers thrive in warm climates and well-drained soil. Plant them in sunny spots to enjoy their sweet scent during the evening hours.
Their captivating aroma has been used in perfumes for centuries. Did you know? Tuberose is native to Mexico and was once considered an aphrodisiac. Add these intoxicating flowers to your garden for a sensory experience that lasts all summer long, and let their fragrance enchant your evenings.
Freesia
Freesias are beloved for their vibrant colors and sweet fragrance. These charming flowers are easy to grow and thrive in well-drained soil and sunny locations. Their trumpet-shaped blooms and sweet scent make them a favorite for both gardens and bouquets.
Freesias symbolize innocence and friendship, making them a thoughtful addition to any garden. Did you know? Freesias were first discovered in South Africa and named after a German botanist. Plant these delightful flowers and enjoy their cheerful presence and delightful aroma throughout the summer.
Anemone
Anemones, with their delicate petals and bold center, bring a touch of whimsy to any garden. These low-maintenance flowers thrive in well-drained soil and sunny spots. Their early summer blooms add a splash of color and charm to garden beds.
Each bloom tells a story of resilience and beauty. Fun fact: Anemones are sometimes called ‘windflowers’ due to their delicate petals that flutter in the breeze. Add these enchanting flowers to your garden for a touch of grace and elegance that lasts all season long.
Oxalis
Oxalis, often known as the ‘good-luck plant,’ captivates with its clover-like leaves and dainty flowers. These plants thrive in sunny or partially shaded areas and well-drained soil. Their small blooms add a touch of charm to garden borders and containers.
Known for their resilience, oxalis plants are easy to care for and bring a playful element to gardens. Did you know? Oxalis is sometimes used in salads for its tangy flavor. Invite these delightful plants into your garden for a playful touch of luck and beauty.
Ranunculus
Ranunculus, with their lush, layered blooms, add a touch of opulence to gardens and bouquets. These flowers thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Their vibrant colors and intricate petals make them a stunning addition to any garden.
Ranunculus symbolize charm and attractiveness, often used in wedding arrangements. Fun fact: The name ‘ranunculus’ is derived from the Latin word for ‘little frog,’ as they often grow in wet conditions. Add these charming flowers to your garden for a burst of color and elegance all summer long.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis flowers are known for their large, trumpet-shaped blooms and vibrant colors. These striking flowers thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Often grown indoors, amaryllis can also enhance outdoor gardens with their bold presence.
Their spectacular blooms are a symbol of pride and beauty. Did you know? Amaryllis is associated with Greek mythology and the story of a young shepherdess. Plant these majestic flowers and let them bring a touch of drama and elegance to your summer garden.
Acidanthera
Acidanthera, also known as the ‘peacock orchid,’ is celebrated for its exotic, star-shaped blooms with a sweet fragrance. These flowers thrive in sunny locations and well-drained soil. Their delicate white petals with a purple center add a touch of intrigue to any garden.
Acidanthera is a member of the gladiolus family, bringing a subtle elegance to garden spaces. Did you know? Despite their name, they’re not true orchids. Plant these enchanting flowers and enjoy their captivating fragrance and beauty throughout the summer season.
Zephyranthes
Zephyranthes, commonly known as ‘rain lilies,’ charm with their delicate blooms that appear after rain showers. These flowers thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil, adding a gentle touch to any garden.
Their small, dainty petals bring a sense of peace and simplicity to garden beds. Did you know? Zephyranthes are native to South America and symbolize renewal and rejuvenation. Plant these delightful flowers and let them bring a calming presence and a splash of color to your summer garden.
Nerine
Nerine flowers, with their vibrant pink hues and curly stamens, add a whimsical touch to any garden. These late-summer bloomers thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil, offering a burst of color as the season winds down.
Their striking appearance makes them a standout feature in garden beds. Fun fact: Nerine is often called the ‘Guernsey lily,’ despite not being a true lily. Add these captivating flowers to your garden for a playful touch and enjoy their beauty as summer transitions to fall.
Tritonia
Tritonia, with their clusters of small, bright orange flowers, bring a burst of energy to summer gardens. These sun-loving plants thrive in well-drained soil and add a cheerful note to garden borders and beds.
Their lively blooms and easy care make them a delightful addition to any garden. Did you know? Tritonia is part of the iris family and is native to South Africa. Plant these vibrant flowers and enjoy their cheerful presence and bright colors throughout the summer season.
Allium
Allium flowers, with their spherical blooms, bring a touch of whimsy and elegance to any garden. These plants thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil, adding vertical interest and a splash of color.
Known for their unique shape, alliums symbolize unity and good fortune. Fun fact: Alliums are related to onions, garlic, and chives. Add these fascinating flowers to your garden and enjoy their playful shapes and vibrant hues throughout the summer.