5 Summer Bulbs That Thrive on Neglect – Just Plant in April and Forget About Them Until the Summer Show Begins
Plant these low-maintenance summer bulbs now, then sit back and wait for the beautiful blooms and stunning foliage to unfold this summer. It's as easy as that!
Summer bulbs add lush, exotic beauty to any garden. You can plant blooming beauties that put out brightly-colored flowers all summer long or foliage plants that wow with huge leaves. Either way, there are gorgeous tender bulbs that will enliven your landscape.
Some bulbs require quite a bit of work to put on a fabulous show that lasts all season, but luckily, there are other summer-blooming bulbs you can plant in spring that thrive on neglect. These plant-and-forget varieties are the ultimate winners for gardeners who are short on time – myself included.
I’m always looking for easier ways to grow and the most important aspect of creating a low-maintenance garden is choosing the right plants. That’s why I've compiled this list of easy-to-grow varieties for your garden. Plant one (or more) of these low-maintenance summer bulbs this month, then forget about them until the dazzling display begins!
Article continues below1. Gladiolus
Gladiolus bulbs send out spire-like flowers in an array of eye-popping colors, making them a true statement plant for the summer garden. They are quite striking when planted at the back of a garden bed or along a fence or the side of your house.
Plant them in April in a sunny spot that’s protected from wind – you don’t want those tall, stately blooms blowing over and breaking during a summer storm. Add a nice layer of mulch on top of the soil around your gladiolus bulbs after planting to help hold in moisture.
Give them a drink, too, and water whenever plants look a bit peaked. Then wait for the blossoms to emerge and enjoy. Gladioli make wonderful cut flowers, so all you need to do is wait until it’s time to cut them, then fill a vase with these summer stunners.
Get gladiolus bulbs from Burpee in a mix of vibrant colors.
2. American Turk’s Cap Lily
American Turk’s cap lily (Lilium superbum) is a North American native plant that produces fiery orange blooms in mid to late summer. Reaching 4 to 8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) tall it is the largest native lily to the US and grows wild in a wide range of the country. This perennial bulb is hardy in USDA growing zones 5-8 and prefers a moist, but well-draining soil.
Turk’s cap lily is a perfect summer bulb for a rain garden or damp woodland landscape. Because it’s a native, this plant grows easily without any fuss as long as you plant it in the right location. If you have a shadier, wetter spot where you need to add some summer color then this is your plant!
3. Canna Lily
The canna lily is a summer bulb garden staple. They have huge, dramatic leaves and blooms that come in a variety of bold hues. They are also easy to grow and care for. In April, once all chance of frost has passed, you can start planting canna lily bulbs outdoors in the ground or containers.
Space out canna lilies in your garden for maximum impact. These are truly statement plants and look best when a single one is allowed to shine on its own. Grow canna lilies in pots on a patio or in different corners of your garden.
Canna lilies like full sun and rich soil, so choose a bright location and amend your soil with compost before planting bulbs. After planting, add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and give bulbs a strong start. Then wait for the gorgeous leaves to unfurl and the colorful spikes of flowers to bloom.
4. Caladium
Caladium bulbs produce big, beautiful heart-shaped leaves in a wild variety of colors and variegations all summer long. They look absolutely stunning in the shade garden and add tropical flair to any landscape.
You can plant these unique summer bulbs outside in April as long as the air temperature is consistently above 60°F (15°C) and soil is at least 65°F (18°C). If it’s not warm enough in your region by April, don’t push it. Wait until soil warms or you risk damaging bulbs.
These low-maintenance plants make shade gardens come alive. They only need 4-6 hours of sunlight per day and actually require less watering and care when planted in shadier spots.
Give them a good drink at planting, cover with mulch, and keep soil moist until bulbs send out roots and new growth. Then rain and your regular garden watering routine are all caladiums need to thrive.
Get a 10-pack of a variety of caladium bulbs from Amazon today.
5. Agapanthus
Agapanthus, also known as Lily of the Nile, is a true blue flower that is sadly underused in American landscapes. It’s more popular in the UK, but you can grow it as an annual almost anywhere in the US.
This South African native is hardy in growing zones 7-11 and produces amazing blue flowers that butterflies and hummingbirds can’t resist. Another bonus: agapanthus is a deer-resistant plant, too. That’s a big win in my Midwest garden that’s full of furry visitors!
You can get bare root agapanthus tubers from Spring Hills Nurseries online or buy a gallon-sized plant from Fast Growing Trees for quicker blooms.
