Summer Bulbs to Plant in Houston

When your spring bulbs start to fade, it’s nice to have summer bulbs ready to burst on the scene. That way, your garden is never lacking in color! While many of your favorite bulbs need to be planted in fall so they can lie dormant over winter, summer bulbs can go in the ground in early spring, emerging once that Houston summer heat sets in. 

What Bulbs Can I Plant Now for Summer?

Planting spring-blooming bulbs anytime soon will result in a whole lotta nothing! At this point in the year, you’ll need to make sure you’re planting summer-blooming varieties. Unsure of which flowering bulbs can be planted now? Take a look at our list of the eight best summer bulbs for Houston gardens. 

1. Calla Lilies

These sleek, elegant lilies are some of our favorite summer bulbs for pots. They create that perfect minimalist aesthetic with their trumpet-shaped flowers, formed by a single curled petal enclosing a golden stamen. Simple, creamy white callas exude elegance and sophistication, while brighter, colorful varieties bring the drama. Calla lilies are totally rabbit- and deer-resistant, so if you have a problem with uninvited guests grazing on your garden, these beauties are definitely a worthy addition. 

Start planning your summer garden now, so you aren’t left with a bare garden once spring wraps up!

2. Colocasia (AKA Elephant Ears)

Colocasia are tropical-looking perennial plants known in the western world as elephant ears or taro. Ornamental Colocasia are important garden plants because they add a bold, tropical look, and in the southern US they make fabulous garden specimens. There are many different colors and leaf patterns to choose from to add that perfect tropical effect to your outdoor oasis.

3. Asiatic Lilies

Classic, star-shaped lilies are positively spellbinding. From pink speckled Stargazers to fiery orange tiger lilies and pure-white Easter lilies, you’ll have a hard time choosing a favorite! They are truly timeless, never out of style, and always bring a sense of magic to the landscape. Plus, who can resist harvesting lilies for cut arrangements before they open? That way, you can bring them inside and enjoy their lovely scent as they burst into bloom.

4. Gladiolus

We can’t get enough of these mega-bright blooms that grow along tall stalks, rising up from the surrounding plants and always taking center stage. Butterflies and hummingbirds are pretty keen on them, too! Their fluted blossoms are like little champagne glasses full of sweet nectar for local wildlife to sip. Their height makes them perfect for bordering the very back of the garden, so they’re still on full display without blocking any of your other plants. 

5. Crocosmia

Crocosmia are summer-blooming bulbs with exotic, brightly-colored flowers on wiry, arching stems. The buds open one-by-one from the bottom up and are magnets for hummingbirds. Crocosmia are native to eastern Africa. They are related to gladiolas and have similar sword-like foliage.

6. Dahlia

Dahlias are large and in charge, and we’re totally here for it. With colossal flower heads in every color imaginable, these bold blooms always make a statement. You might be surprised at the variety of dahlia styles available—some don’t even look remotely like the same kind of flower! Personally, I have a thing for ball dahlias. They have a perfectly spherical flower head with colorful, folded petals that look just like those honeycomb ball decorations you hang alongside party streamers!

7. Caladiums

Okay, so technically, caladiums aren’t blooming bulbs, but their ridiculously-beautiful foliage earns them a spot on this list! Caladiums have absolutely massive leaves splashed with all sorts of different tropical colors, bringing the vacation vibes straight to your yard. Caladiums splashed with neon pink are some of our favorite summer bulbs for shade, as they brighten up those dim corners of the yard so perfectly. Use them as a filler plant to surround your taller summer-blooming bulbs!

8. Polianthes

Polianthes Tuberosa, which is also called Polyanthus lily, has a strong and enticing fragrance that furthers its popularity.  Clusters of large white blooms form on stalks that can reach 4 feet and grassy foliage that reaches 2 feet tall.

Start planning your summer garden now, so you aren’t left with a bare garden once spring wraps up! For the best bulbs to plant in Houston, look no further than Plants for All Seasons—we’re so excited for all the new varieties available for 2021! Visit us soon to see what’s in store.