You know that sad feeling when your spring flowers die off and leave your garden looking empty? Been there!
But then I discovered you can plant bulbs in spring for amazing summer and fall flowers.
These 10 varieties completely changed my garden, and they’re so easy to grow!
1. Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile/African Lily)
If you adore dramatic flowering displays like I do, you’ll fall head over heels for Agapanthus.
These stunning plants produce clusters of bell-shaped flowers in shades ranging from pure white to deep lavender blue, reminding me of miniature fireworks in the garden.
I’ve found they thrive best in spots with sun to partial shade, planted about 12 inches apart and just an inch deep. While they take a couple of seasons to reach their full potential, the wait is absolutely worth it for the June-July flower show.
2. Dahlias
These showstoppers have become my go-to for late summer garden drama.
I’ve learned that the key to success with dahlias is giving them well-drained sunny spots and protecting their roots with a thick layer of mulch.
In my experience, adding support stakes early in the season saves a lot of heartache later when those gorgeous blooms arrive. The best part? They’ll reward you with a spectacular show in their very first season.
3. Anemones (Autumn Windflowers)
These delightful flowers have taught me the value of patience in gardening.
Before planting, I always soak the bulbs in lukewarm water for a few hours – it’s like giving them a gentle wake-up call after their dormancy.
They’re incredibly versatile, growing anywhere from 6 inches to 4 feet tall, and they keep blooming until the first frost arrives – talk about getting your money’s worth!
4. Florist Amaryllis
I’ll never forget my first experience with the Ice Queen variety – it was like having a living sculpture indoors.
The key to success, I’ve discovered, is choosing a pot that’s just slightly larger than the bulb itself.
I love keeping them cool until they bloom, then bringing them outdoors when warm weather arrives to add a tropical touch to my patio.
5. Caladium
These beauties have saved my shady garden spots more times than I can count.
Their heart-shaped leaves, splashed with white and pink, bring life to areas where other plants struggle.
I plant them about a foot apart and barely cover them with soil – they’ve never failed to create a stunning display, whether in my garden beds or decorative containers.
6. Canna
When I want to make a bold statement in my garden, Cannas are my go-to choice.
These magnificent plants shoot up to 6-8 feet tall, creating an instant tropical paradise with their lime-green leaves and vibrant bloom spikes.
For smaller spaces, I’ve found the dwarf varieties work just as beautifully, providing the same dramatic effect in a more compact form.
7. Gladiolus
There’s something nostalgic about Gladiolus that always reminds me of my grandmother’s garden.
I plant them 6 inches deep and space them 3-4 inches apart, creating ribbon-like swaths of color through my flower beds.
The rainbow of colors they provide from midsummer to early fall makes them perfect for both garden display and cut flower arrangements.
8. Pineapple Lily (Eucomis autumnalis)
This unique plant has become quite the conversation starter in my garden.
Its flowers open from bottom to top, crowned with a tuft of green leaves that truly resembles a pineapple top.
I particularly enjoy watching hummingbirds and butterflies flock to these unusual blooms throughout the season.
9. Rain Lily (Zephyr/Fairy Lily)
These delicate beauties have earned a special place in my heart with their magical appearance after summer showers.
Their grassy foliage provides a perfect backdrop for the dainty, open-faced flowers that seem to appear overnight.
I’ve found success planting them just 1-2 inches deep, and they’ve proven to be surprisingly hardy in my zone 7 garden.
10. Allium
Last but certainly not least, Alliums have become the architectural elements in my garden design.
Their globe-shaped flower clusters create perfect spheres floating above the garden on thin stems, adding both height and whimsy to my plantings.
While they can take a bit longer to establish when planted in spring, their stunning display of yellow, blue, purple, or white blooms makes them worth the wait.