7 unusual bulbs to plant in spring – these beauties will add exotic blooms and striking foliage to your summer garden

It's time to start thinking about what bulbs to plant now for long-lasting summer blooms.

There are lots of lesser-known, more unusual bulbs to plant in spring if you want to try something different, which will flower right through summer and in some cases into fall. The standout varieties recommended here by our expert growers are a fresh new take, helping you mix up the look with some surprise elements.

If you're enjoying spring bulbs emerging now, that are bringing life and color back to the garden after winter, you can keep the show going right through summer by choosing some unusual bulbs to plant in spring.

7 Unusual Bulbs To Plant In Spring

There are some real beauties here recommended by experts that are easy to mix in with the rest of your flowerbed ideas. Bulbs are always an easy-care option too, so you can plant and essentially forget about them until they pop up as a lovely surprise in a few months time.

The best time to plant our recommended bulbs is mid to late spring, once the soil is warmer and there is no risk of frost.

1. Caladium

USDA zones: 9-11 (grown as an annual in most parts of the US)
Other names: Caladium bicolor, elephant ears, heart of Jesus
Height/Spread: 12 to 24 inches tall, 8 to 24 inch spread

'Caladium is a shade-loving bulb that does well in garden beds but truly stands out in containers and window boxes, where its unique foliage can be admired up close,' says horticulturalist Peggy Anne Montgomery. 'The foliage comes in an impressive range of colors, including white, pink, and red, and is beautifully mottled or patterned.'

Unlike many plants grown for their flowers, Caladium is prized for its striking foliage, which remains vibrant and attractive throughout the season. 'It pairs well with other shade-loving plants like wax begonias, impatiens, and wishbone flowers, making it a versatile choice for shaded spaces,' adds Peggy Anne.

In recognition of its beauty and versatility, the National Garden Bureau has named Caladium the 2025 Bulb of the Year, highlighting its enduring appeal. So be sure to buy some like these mixed Caladium bulbs from Walmart to include in your container gardening ideas this summer.

Peggy Anne Montgomery

Peggy Anne Montgomery is a horticultural professional with more than 30 years' experience in garden marketing and communications. An account executive for the Garden Media Group, she currently represents Dutch Royal Anthos, a trade organization for Dutch bulb growers and exporters in the US and Canada.

2. Pineapple lilies

USDA zones: 7-10 (store indoors during winter or use as annuals)
Other names: Eucomis
Height/Spread: 1 to 3 feet tall and 5 inches wide

Pineapple lilies are exotic summer bloomers. They are most productive when planted in moist soil late in the spring after frost is long over.

Peggy Anne Montgomery says this unusual bulb is a real showstopper. 'Producing flower spikes that resemble miniature pineapples, topped with clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers in shades of green, purple, pink, yellow, or white, they’re sure to spark curiosity and admiration.'

While their upright habit means they’re lovely in borders and rock garden ideas, Peggy Anne thinks these blooms truly shine in containers, where their distinctive features can be enjoyed up close.The deep green foliage is striking on its own, and some cultivars take it up a notch with rich burgundy leaves. 'After the flowers fade, you can easily move the container to a less prominent spot, making way for other garden stars.' Like all bulbs, they thrive in well-drained soil, and in southern climates, they benefit from a bit of afternoon shade.

'I’ve found they’re a standout in my gravel garden and containers, consistently drawing attention and compliments. These plants are not just unique – they’re conversation starters.'

3. Crocosmia

USDA zones: 6-9
Other names: Montbretia
Height/Spread: 36 inches tall, spreading in clumps

'I love crocosmia,' says bulb expert and landscape architect Dale Skaggs when we asked him for his favorite unusual bulbs to plant in spring. 'Corms are planted in the spring for warm-colored flowers on arching stems in the summer. The foliage is sword- or iris-like and provides a good, sharp counterpoint to the rounded foliage shapes in your perennial border.'

Crocosmia are very hardy and perennial in the Mid-South region, according to Dale. The flowers come in various colors and he recommends: red ('Lucifer'), lemon yellow ('Citronella'), orange with a dark eye ('Emily McKenzie'), and orange and yellow ('Firestarter'). Note that 'Lucifer' is the hardiest of these cultivars.

'Plant the corms 3–5 inches deep in full sun, and in good organic soil,' he advises. 'Once the plant is established, you can dig up offsets from the corms and share them with your friends. After a few years, you'll need to dig up the clump and divide it.'

Dale points out that crocosmia is one of the best cutting garden flowers too, adding showy height and excitement to your arrangements.

Dale Skaggs

Dale Skaggs, a native Memphian, holds a Bachelor of Science in horticulture from Oregon State University and a Bachelor and Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon. He returned to Memphis in 2005 to serve as the Shelby County horticultural extension agent with the University of Tennessee, coordinating the Master Gardener program. Since 2007, Dale has directed horticulture at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. He frequently lectures on horticultural topics, and has served as president of the Memphis Horticultural Society.

4. Tuberose

USDA zones: 7-10
Other names: Polianthes tuberosa
Height/Spread: 24-30 inches tall and spread of around 12 inches

Tuberose, is another excellent choice for unusual bulbs to plant in spring according to Dale. 'This perennial plant, which returns year after year, is known for its incredible fragrance. It produces stunning white or pink-blushed flowers on tall stalks.'

Tuberose makes an excellent cut flower too. 'It has a nostalgic charm,' says Dale. 'Your grandmother may have grown them.'

Easy to grow and low-maintenance, for best results plant Tuberose bulbs such as these from Walmart in well-draining soil and mulch heavily in winter. They work well in containers too as long as you give them regular water and a feed of organic bulb fertilizer.

The good news is that although they multiply quickly they're not invasive. Find out more about how to grow tuberose to ensure these fragrant flowers thrive in your garden.

5. Surprise lilies

USDA zones: 5-9
Other names: Lycoris squamigera, Resurrection lily
Height/Spread: up to 24 inches tall and spread of up to 24 inches

'Surprise lilies are delightful additions to any garden,' says Dale. 'They live up to their name by producing sudden, vibrant blooms in late summer, adding unexpected color when many other plants are fading. They feature masses of soft pink flowers.'

Easy to grow, the surprise lily prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant bulbs to a depth of 8 to 12 inches, around 6 inches apart. They grow best in well-drained, fertile soil. Water sparingly during their dormant phase and increase during the growing season. Apply a layer of mulch to protect them over winter.

Planted in clusters these are one of the best summer bulbs to make a real focal point in containers and flowerbeds. The show-stopping blooms are scented and make good cutting flowers too.

If you love lilies, Dale also recommends Lycoris radiata, commonly known as red spider lily or naked ladies, which have striking red, spidery flowers.

6. Tiger flower

USDA zones: 8-10
Other names: Tigridia pavonia
Height/Spread: 12-24 inches tall and spread 5-6 inches

The tiger flower has astonishing color and a striking disposition that will stand out in your backyard.

These flowers will do best in well-draining soil at a depth of two to three times the bulb height, so they root well into the ground. They need moderate watering but don't like to be waterlogged. Adequate spacing will give them enough room to grow to their full potential and get all the air they need to thrive.

Tiger flowers are great for summer container planting ideas too, and add a pop of fun to any space.

7. Gladioli

USDA zones: 8-10
Other names: Sword lily
Height/Spread: up to 36-48 inches tall and spread of up to 6-8 inches

Now for one of my own favorite unusual bulbs to plant in spring. I love gladioli for their flamboyant flowers and showy good looks. They are the very definition of high impact plants, and for me a highlight of the summer garden.

I like the cream and pink ones best, like the ones pictured here, and these 'My Love' ones from Nature Hills. The white petals are ruffled and frilly, and edged with streaks of pink. But there are so many types of gladioli to choose from in such a huge range of colors there's sure to be one that fits with your planting scheme.

They make great long-lasting cut flowers too as well as being superstars in borders or containers where their towering spikes add a vertical accent that's hard to beat. Bees and butterflies flock to them, making them one of the best plants for pollinators too.

Despite their exotic looks, gladioli are fully hardy. In spring plant them closely together in groups, directly into borders or containers, in either full sun or partial shade. This easy-care choice will begin to flower from midsummer onwards.

FAQs

Can I plant dahlia tubers spring?

Spring is the ideal time to plant dahlias. 'Dahlias are cold sensitive, so plant them outside only after all danger of frost has passed in spring,' says dahlia expert Erin Benzakein, founder of Floret Flower Farm and author of Discovering Dahlias, available from Amazon. 'For us, in Washington’s Skagit Valley, this is late April to early May.'

It’s most common to grow dahlias from tubers, which are similar to bulbs. 'Depending on how many tubers you’re planting, you can dig either a long trench or individual holes,' explains Erin. 'Place each tuber horizontally with its growing eye facing up, around 10cm deep, then cover with soil.'

You can also plant dahlias in large pots. 'To give them enough room to spread out and thrive, I recommend growing them in half wine barrels or large galvanized tubs at least 1 ft deep and 2 ft wide,' says Erin. 'If you’re growing dahlias in pots, be sure to choose knee-high varieties that top out at 3 ft tall, such as ‘Amber Queen’, ‘Totally Tangerine’, and ‘Waltzing Mathilda’.'

If you are really in planning mode, it's worth mentioning unusual bulbs to plant in fall too, especially if you're currently wondering whether there's more to your spring flower beds than crocus and daffodils.