27 Unique Bulb Flowers for Standout Gardens
Gardeners seeking a distinctive appearance can plant these 27 types of bulb flowers.
These varieties promise a unique aesthetic, sprouting into stunning displays that cycle beautifully from season to season, ensuring your garden remains vibrant and full of life year after year.
Naked Lady (Amaryllis Belladonna)
Naked Lady, also known as Amaryllis belladonna, thrives in growing zones 3 to 10.
This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. With a blooming season from mid to late summer, it showcases a striking bare stem topped with leaves.
Water needs remain average to dry while the soil must be well-draining and not overly moist. For years, gardeners have enjoyed this bulb for its beauty and the pride it symbolizes—self-confidence shines through each bloom.
Richard Wallace Canna Lily (Canna Richard Wallace)
The Richard Wallace Canna Lily, known for its large and fragrant blooms, features stunning purple petals accented with silver-white stripes.
This hybrid originated in the United States through the work of botanist Richard Wallace in 1885. High water needs make it suitable for loamy, wet soil that drains well.
Growing zones range from 2 to 10, requiring full sun exposure for optimal growth. Mid-summer brings a beautiful display as these flowers bloom with creamy whites and hints of pink or red at their edges, showcasing an eye-catching pattern across their petals.
Peacock Orchid (Gladiolus Acidanthera)
This perennial plant thrives in warm climates, making it suitable for gardeners across diverse regions.
Strong roots and graceful leaves give the Peacock Orchid a striking presence in any garden. Average watering keeps this beauty happy while sandy or loamy soil ensures proper drainage.
With full sun exposure, blooms appear mid-summer, showcasing its lovely flowers that symbolize dignity and beauty. Minimal care makes it an excellent choice for those seeking an easy-care addition to their green spaces.
Stargazer Oriental Lily (Lilium Orientalis Stargazer)
Blooming from mid to late summer, the Stargazer Oriental Lily (Lilium orientalis Stargazer) showcases petals that spread in a star-like shape at night.
This flower thrives in zones 4 to 9 and prefers loamy soil with average water needs. Full sun or partial shade suits it well, making it adaptable for various garden settings.
Native to central Asia, this lily not only adds beauty but also serves as a food crop in regions like China and Japan. With minimal care required, gardeners often choose these lovely flowers for pots or mixed beds without hassle.
Crocosmia Emberglow (Crocosmia Crocosmiiflora)
The Crocosmia Emberglow shines with its bright orange blooms, making it a striking addition to any garden.
This cultivar comes from the blending of two other varieties: Crocosmia Brilliant Star and Crocosmia Sunrise Surprise. Growing in zones 6 to 9, it thrives under full sun or partial shade.
The soil should be sandy or loamy for best results, while average water keeps this plant healthy. Known for symbolizing confidence and deep emotions, these bulb flowers bring beauty to temperate regions during mid to late summer blooming season.
Spider Lily (Nerine Sarniensis)
Spider Lily, known scientifically as Nerine Sarniensis, thrives in zones 8 to 10.
This herbaceous perennial flourishes with average water needs and prefers well-draining soil. Blooms appear from late summer to early fall, featuring white or pink flowers adorned with yellow markings at the base.
Stalks can soar up to six feet high, showcasing five petals alongside two large sepals beneath each flower. Long leaves display a striking green color peppered with red spots on top, adding visual interest throughout the growing season in temperate regions of Europe and the UK.
Peruvian Daffodil (Hymenocallis Festalis)
The Peruvian Daffodil, also known as the White Daffodil, has a rich history that goes back to before the Inca Empire.
This stunning flower is native to Peru and holds a special place in its culture. Blooming from January through March presents challenges for growing it outside of Peru.
Unique white petals are full of pollen, creating an eye-catching display when they flourish in gardens during early to mid-summer. With average to high water needs and preference for loamy soil, this plant thrives best in zones 3 to 10 under full sun or partial shade conditions.
Canna Lily (Canna Happy Cleo)
A Canna Lily adds a distinctive flair to any garden with its striking white flowers adorned with purple stripes.
This plant reaches heights of up to 3 feet and thrives in warm conditions, blooming during the summer for a few short weeks. Full sun or partial shade suits it well, along with average to moist soil.
Growing zones range from 3 to 10, making it adaptable in various climates. Cuttings or indoor seedlings can help gardeners cultivate this unique beauty successfully when moved outdoors at the right time.
Flowering Onion (Allium Giganteum)
The Flowering Onion, known scientifically as Allium giganteum, stands out in any garden.
This remarkable plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and features stunning light purple blooms shaped like an onion head on slender stems. Ancient Egyptians valued it for its symbolism of eternal life, highlighting its rich history.
It thrives in growing zones 4 to 9 and prefers full sun or partial shade while requiring average to dry loamy soil. Blooming occurs from late spring into early summer, offering a striking display that gardeners will appreciate.
Meadow Blazing Star (Liatris Ligulistylus)
The Meadow Blazing Star, also known as Liatris spicata, flourishes in meadows and fields.
This perennial plant showcases red flowers during the summer months, growing tall with a stem adorned by numerous blossoms that catch the eye. Full sun to partial shade suits its needs well, while it thrives in average soil across growing zones 4 to 8.
Low water requirements make it easy for gardeners to maintain. Beyond beauty, this flower supports local wildlife by feeding bees and butterflies and creating homes for various plants and animals nearby.
Double Scarlet Begonia (Begonia Double Scarlet)
Double Scarlet Begonia features striking red and white flowers that enhance any space.
This plant thrives in sandy or loamy soil, requiring average watering to stay healthy. Half sun exposure suits its light needs perfectly, allowing it to bloom beautifully in mid-summer.
Suitable for zones 3 to 10, this begonia can flourish both indoors and outdoors. Enjoying its eye-catching appearance makes it a fantastic addition for gardeners seeking something special.
Black Beauty Gladiolus (Gladiolus x Hortulanus Black Beauty)
Black Beauty Gladiolus, a striking hybrid of two plants, showcases dark purple blooms against a white backdrop.
This flower symbolizes remembrance and thrives in sandy or loamy soil with average water needs. It flourishes best in growing zones 3 to 10 and prefers full sun to partial sunlight.
Mid-summer is the time when these elegant flowers bloom, adding beauty to any garden setting. Alyssa Gartner, an artist from New York City, designed this unique variety to attract gardeners looking for something special and visually appealing.
White Camassia Lily (Camassia Leichtlinii Alba)
The White Camassia Lily, known for its elegant white blooms, thrives in moist and rich soil typically found in bogs and marshes.
This perennial plant originates from the eastern United States. High water needs make it essential to keep the soil consistently damp for optimal growth.
Full sun or partial shade offers suitable light conditions as it flourishes during late spring through early summer. The flower symbolizes purity and belongs to a genus named after the Greek word meaning "beautiful."
Pink Rain Lily (Zephyranthes robusta Pink)
The pink rain lily, known scientifically as Zephyranthes robusta Pink, grows tall at about 3 feet.
This perennial plant features green leaves adorned with white spots and arranges them in pairs along its stem. Blooming occurs from mid to late summer, showcasing lovely shades of pink.
Average to high water is necessary for this beauty, which thrives best in well-draining soil under full sun or partial shade. Native to South America but found elsewhere now, these flowers symbolize new beginnings and rebirth.
Care to Dance Bearded Iris (Iris Germanica Care to Dance)
The Care to Dance Bearded Iris, known for its lovely yellow blooms, brings a sense of faith and hope.
This plant thrives in full sun and requires sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Its blooming season occurs in mid-spring when the flowers come alive with movement at the slightest touch.
Hardy across growing zones 3 to 9, this iris is native to Europe and Asia but flourishes worldwide in warm temperate climates with moderate rainfall. Water needs are average to low, making it manageable for gardeners seeking something distinctive.
Grape Hyacinth (Muscari Aucheri)
Grape hyacinth adds charm to gardens with its lovely bell-shaped flowers.
This perennial plant features blooms in blue, white, or purple hues and flourishes best in full sun or partial sunlight. Average to dry soil that drains well suits it perfectly, allowing roots to thrive.
Native to Europe and North Africa, these flowers symbolize confidence and mystery while blooming from mid to late spring. Growing zones 3 through 9 provide an ideal environment for this beautiful herbaceous plant.
Sword Lily (Crocosmia Crocosmiiflora Lucifer)
Sword Lily, known scientifically as Crocosmia crocosmiiflora Lucifer, features striking flowers that can reach a height of three feet.
This perennial plant thrives in sandy or loamy soil and prefers full sun to partial sunlight. Blooming occurs from spring through fall, adding color during multiple seasons.
Native to Europe and Asia, it has spread to North America and Australia, adapting well in various settings like fields and meadows. Symbolizing strength and remembrance, the Sword Lily makes a noteworthy addition for any gardener seeking something distinctive.
Orange Daylily (Hemerocallis Fulva)
Orange Daylily, a native flower of North America, blooms in early summer with vibrant orange petals.
This plant thrives in full to partial sunlight and prefers loamy or dry clay soils. Low water requirements make it easy to care for while its lovely fragrance draws pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Historically, this flower has served not only as an ornamental choice but also had uses in food and medicine. Found throughout the United States and Canada, Orange Daylily adds a special touch to any garden landscape.
Tiger Flower (Tigridia Pavonia)
The Tiger Flower, known scientifically as Tigridia Pavonia, captures attention with its unusual beauty.
Originating from Mexico, it thrives in sandy or loamy soil and prefers average to dry conditions. This plant flourishes under full sun to partial shade and blooms from mid to late summer.
Growing zones range from 3 to 10, making it suitable for various climates. Often referred to as the Mexican Shelfflower due to its unique growth on tree undersides and rocks, this flower is becoming a favored choice among houseplant enthusiasts.
Guernsey Lily (Nerine Bowdenii)
The Guernsey Lily, or Jersey lily, offers beauty and meaning with its association to freedom and good fortune.
This perennial plant thrives in loamy soil and enjoys full sun to partial shade. Blooming during the summer months, it showcases white flowers that can also appear in shades of pink or purple, often adorned with purple markings and occasional yellow spots.
Found primarily in the northern hemisphere, this flower has a long history of use in herbal medicine for various health issues like diabetes and arthritis. Hardy across growing zones 3 to 10, gardeners appreciate its average water needs as well.
Saffron Crocus (Crocus Sativus)
Known for its cheerful blooms, Saffron Crocus thrives in dry, well-draining soil.
This lovely plant flourishes in full sun or partial shade and blooms during the fall season. Originally from Southwest Asia, it now grows in many temperate areas worldwide.
For centuries, people have cultivated these flowers to create saffron spice used in various dishes like paella and risotto. The dried flowers serve as a vibrant colorant and flavoring agent for treats such as yogurt drinks and ice creams too.
Nori Gladiolus (Gladiolus Nori)
Nori Gladiolus, known for its beautiful blooms, thrives in full sun and prefers sandy or loamy soil.
This plant originates from the Mediterranean and gained popularity in Europe during the late 1800s. Flowers can vary in color, including white, yellow, pink, or purple.
Blooms typically measure between six inches to two feet wide but can sometimes grow as large as five feet across. Symbolizing strength and character, Nori Gladiolus flourishes well in growing zones three to ten with average water needs during mid-summer blooming season.
Crimson Flag (Hesperantha Coccinea)
Crimson flag, a plant from South Africa and Namibia, grows up to 1 meter tall.
Thin, fleshy leaves accompany its vibrant red flowers that measure about 5 inches across. This perennial herb thrives in moist soil with average to high water needs and enjoys full sun or partial shade.
Blooming occurs in late summer within growing zones 7 to 9. Since its introduction into Europe in 1885 as an ornamental option, it has captured the interest of many gardeners seeking something distinctive for their spaces.
Emory Paul Dinner Plate Dahlia (Dinner Plate Dahlia Emory Paul)
The Emory Paul Dinner Plate Dahlia stands out for its remarkable beauty and rich history.
Named after its creator, this flower came into being from a cross between the dahlia and African violet in 1876. Its elegant blooms can reach up to 8 inches across, showcasing colors like white, yellow, red, blue, purple, and green.
Thriving in full sun with average water needs makes it a suitable choice for various gardeners. This flower flourishes best in sandy or loamy acidic soil and grows well in zones 2 to 10 during mid-summer blooming season.
Pickwick Dutch Crocus (Crocus Vernus Pickwick)
Blooming in early spring, the Pickwick Dutch Crocus adds a splash of color to gardens.
This flower thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers average, well-draining soil with moderate water needs. Symbolizing youth and rebirth, it is also known for its historical medicinal uses.
Traditionally utilized as an antiseptic for wounds and skin issues like eczema, this crocus has roots deep in ancient healing practices from regions such as Iran and Afghanistan. Today, gardeners appreciate its beauty alongside its rich history of beneficial properties.
Pheasants Eye (Narcissus Poeticus)
Daffodils, also called narcissus poeticus, have been cherished for centuries.
Their presence in ancient cultures represented life and renewal, often appearing in springtime celebrations and significant events like weddings and funerals. Many stories surround these flowers, all highlighting the joy they bring to those who admire them.
Blooming in late spring under half a day of winter sun suits gardeners well since they thrive with minimal water requirements and adapt to various soil types. Growing zones 6 to 8 provide an excellent environment for their cheerful display each year.
Crown Imperial Yellow (Fritillaria Lutea)
Crown Imperial Yellow, a striking fritillaria, flourishes in mid-spring.
This plant reaches impressive heights of up to 6 feet and features yellow blooms adorned with purple spots. Often found in moist areas like swamps or streams, it thrives well under full sun to partial shade conditions.
Average water is sufficient for its needs while loamy soil supports healthy growth across zones 3 to 10. Historically used in China as a remedy for stomach issues and inflammation adds an interesting aspect to this beautiful flower’s appeal.
