The Ultimate Guide to Late Summer Flowering Bulbs: 15 Stunning Varieties for Your Garden
Late summer is a magical time of the year when gardens come alive with vibrant colors and striking blooms. While the end of summer may bring muggy weather and pesky mosquitoes, it also brings the opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful flowers of the season. Late summer flowering bulbs are a great way to add a splash of color to your garden when other plants are starting to fade.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 15 of the best late summer flowering bulbs that will brighten up your garden and bring joy to both you and your visitors. From Agapanthus to Ranunculus, these stunning varieties offer a range of colors, shapes, and sizes to suit any garden style.
The Best 15 Late Summer Flowering Bulbs
Here’s a lineup of 15 of the best late summer flowering bulbs that are sure to impress:
- Agapanthus
- Acidanthera
- Begonia
- Calla Lily
- Canna Lily
- Colchicum
- Crinum
- Crocus
- Dahlia
- Eucomis
- Gladiolus
- Hyacinth
- Iris
- Nerine
- Ranunculus
Let’s dive into each of these stunning varieties and explore what makes them unique and beautiful additions to your garden.
1. Agapanthus
Agapanthus, also known as African lily or lily of the Nile, is a showy bloomer that thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-11. With flowers ranging from white to blue to violet, Agapanthus adds a pop of color to any garden. This deer-resistant plant attracts hummingbirds and can be propagated by division. ‘Galaxy Blue’ Agapanthus is a cold-hardy variety that offers repeat blooms throughout the season.
2. Acidanthera
Acidanthera, a member of the gladiolus family, features clusters of white flowers with deep maroon centers. Ideal for bouquets, this deer-resistant plant grows best in slightly acidic soils. Corms are available from Eden Brothers Nursery in various quantities.
3. Begonia
Begonias, available in multiple species, are a classic addition to any late summer garden. Tuberous begonias are hardy in Zones 9-11 and thrive in the shade. Hardy begonias, such as B. grandis, are tuberous and self-propagate from bulblets. Wax leaf and rhizomatous begonias are other popular varieties. Burpee offers various types of begonia plants and bare tubers.
4. Calla Lily
Calla lilies, cold hardy to Zone 8, produce showy flowers in a range of colors. These versatile plants thrive in a variety of sun conditions and soils and attract pollinators. ‘Hot Mix’ Calla Lily bulbs are available from Eden Brothers.
5. Canna Lily
Canna lilies feature large leaves and tall stalks with colorful flowers. These tropical rhizomes thrive in Zones 7-10 and prefer full sun and moist, rich soil. Eden Brothers offers a variety of canna lily cultivars.
6. Colchicum
Colchicum, also known as autumn crocus or naked lady, produces lavender, pink, or purple blooms from corms. These winter hardy plants thrive in Zones 4-8 and prefer slightly acidic soils. ‘Pink Goblet’ Colchicum corms are available on Amazon.
7. Crinum
Crinum, or crinum lily, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These plants grow well in Zones 8-10 and prefer organically rich, moist soil. ‘Queen Emma’ Crinum plants are available on Amazon.
8. Crocus
Crocus plants, hardy in Zones 6-9, feature purple or lavender flowers and thrive in full sun. Saffron crocus and hairy crocus are popular varieties available from various retailers.
9. Dahlia
Dahlias, available in a wide range of colors and shapes, are a colorful addition to any garden. These deer-resistant plants thrive in Zones 7-10 and attract butterflies. Dahlia tubers are available from Burpee and Eden Brothers.
10. Eucomis
Eucomis, or pineapple lily, thrives in Zones 7-10 and features greenish-white or pinkish-purple flower clusters. ‘Safari Adventure’ Eucomis bulbs are available from Burpee.
11. Gladiolus
Gladiolus plants feature showy flowers in a variety of colors and attract pollinators. These plants grow best in full sun and humus-rich soil. Corms are available from Eden Brothers and Burpee.
12. Hyacinth
Hyacinths, typically spring-blooming plants, can be forced to flower in late summer, fall, or winter. These sweet-smelling flowers are available in a variety of pastel hues and can be grown in containers indoors.
13. Iris
Late-blooming bearded irises are a gorgeous option for late summer blooms. These plants thrive in moist, well-draining soil and are available in a variety of colors.
14. Nerine
Nerine, also known as spider lily, features waxy pink or rose flowers and grows well in Zones 8-11. Bulbs are available on Amazon for easy planting.
15. Ranunculus
Ranunculus, or Persian buttercup, offers colorful blooms in shades of red, pink, purple, yellow, and white. Plant these flowers in full sun and well-draining soil for best results. Late summer-blooming ranunculus corms are available from Eden Brothers.
Conclusion: Brighten Your Late Summer Garden with Stunning Bulbs
Late summer is the perfect time to add some vibrant colors and striking blooms to your garden with late summer flowering bulbs. Whether you choose Agapanthus for its showy flowers, Calla Lily for its range of colors, or Dahlia for its variety of shapes and sizes, there’s a bulb for every garden style.
With the right selection of bulbs and a bit of care and attention, you can transform your garden into a colorful paradise that will bring joy to both you and your visitors. So why wait? Start planting your late summer flowering bulbs today and watch your garden come alive with beauty and vibrancy!
