The ending of summer is often marred by a compounding of muggy weather , too many mosquito , and not enough fourth dimension off from employment to go swimming .
fortuitously , this is also a season for bask some of the prettiest flowers you ’re going to see all year , especially when you grow previous summer flower bulbs .
Many late season bloomers are useable to bring a petty extra color to the political party afterwards in the class , when other garden ducky are lagging .
Crocus pulchellus.
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We ’ve put together a roundup of 15 of our pet late summer blossom bulbs . Here ’s what ’s in memory board :
15 of the Best Late Summer Flowering Bulbs
1 . Agapanthus
2 . Acidanthera
3 . Begonia
Crocus pulchellus.
4 . Calla Lily
5 . Canna Lily
6 . Colchicum
7 . Crinum
8 . Crocus
9 . Dahlia
10 . Eucomis
11 . sword lily
12 . Hyacinth
13 . Iris
14 . Nerine
15 . Ranunculus
Some of thebulbs ( and corms , rootstock , and tubers)recommended here will bloom in the springtime and then put on an encore show in the belated summer and into the downfall .
Others open in the summer and continue blooming throughout the time of year until the comer of first rime .
This ply you with lasting pastime from these flowers , alternatively of the ephemeral beauty of spring bulbs that can come and go faster than you might detect .
disregarding of the bloom time of these kind , almost all of them will need to be establish in the other saltation to enjoy their later summertime and early fall color .
Some bulbs are not cold hardy so they wo n’t go the wintertime if they are growing in the ground outside in northern climates .
you’re able to prefer to dig them up and store them through the cold months quick for replant next time of year .
range in color from white to blue to violet , Agapanthus , aka African lily or lily of the Nile , is a showy boo-boo thatthrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 11 , look on the cultivar .
Flowers top long stanch that typically reach three to four feet in distance , with a spread of two to three feet .
This perennial thrives in many type of well - drainingsoil with a pH that ranges fromslightly acidulous to slightly alkaline , with restrained water pauperism .
This deer - resistive choice is wonderful for attracting hummingbirds and can easily be disperse by division .
It grow from rhizomes that can be dig up for the winter or you could apply a level of mulch can to protect varieties that can defy calorie-free icing .
‘ Galaxy Blue’is hardy to Zone 6 and render repeat blooms throughout the season .
‘ Galaxy Blue ’
Rhizomes and plants in gallon - sized containers areavailable from Burpee .
Or , you might care to check out the blue and clean ‘ Twister ’ implant that areavailable from Nature Hills Nursery .
‘ Twister ’
This is a new variety that ’s of particular interest group as the first bicolor African lily .
Learn more about growingAgapanthushere .
A fellow member of the gladiolus category , Acidanthera has upright green foliage that arrive to a sharp point .
Clusters of snowy flowers with deep maroon heart and soul make pretty improver to nosegay , with a pleasing bouquet .
Acidanthera goes by many names , includingGladiolus murielae , G. callianthus , Abyssinian gladiolus , and Inachis io orchidaceous plant .
The plant was antecedently classify in theAcidantheragenus , hence the unwashed name .
It rise best in slightly acidulous dirt – easy to think based on the name , good ?
The corms grow slowly . Plant them in well - draining soil in full Sunday in Zones 7 to 11 . Plants grown in cooler realm can be comprehend up for the winter .
Thisdeer - resistant plantis ideal for attracting hummingbird .
Abyssinian Gladiolus
Bulbs are available in bags of 25 , 50 , or 100from Eden Brothers .
An old - timey classic , the begonia deserves a spot in your late summer garden .
But a variety of dissimilar coinage in the Begoniaceae family are available online and at garden center , so you postulate to cognize what you are looking for .
Tuberous begonia ( Begoniaxtuberhybrida)are fearless in Zones 9 to 11 .
They thrive in the shadiness in well - enfeeble , slimly acidic land , providing a welcome splash of color to darker areas of the garden .
Like most of the works on this list , they must be travail up and brought indoors to be implant again the next class in other grow zones , or grown as annuals .
These sport large two- to eight - in - broad white , pinkish , purple , cherry-red , orange , yellow , or bicolor flowers that flower on plants with dark greenish farewell .
They may contact tiptop of 12 to 18 inches , with a spread of one to two feet .
exclusive or dual blossoms may be bland , ruffled , or toothed . And some varieties are suit for planting in hanging baskets , while others grow just .
There ’s so much to take from with these prime !
They are not drought kind , so you will demand to remember to irrigate them well through the summer month .
Dividing the tubers can be unmanageable , since they are prone to molder . The general consensus is that it ’s comfortable to diffuse these plant from cutting .
expect forBegoniaxtuberhybridavarieties to be sure that you are bring a tuberous type . But keep in mind that otherBegoniaspecies are tuberous as well .
For example , fearless begonias ( B. grandis ) are also tuberous . These have small pink or white flowers with yellow centre that grow on pink stems , and colorful foliage .
dauntless begonia also hump shade , and they will self - pass around from bulblet that take shape above ground in the dip .
This type is pocket-size overall , with a height and spread of one to two feet . Hardy in zona 6 to 9 , be sure to provide these with plenteous , moist , slenderly acidic soil .
Both of these are not to be confound with other types of begonias , which often have humble prime andmake an excellent ground book binding .
The wax foliage eccentric ( B. semperflorens ) , so - called for its waxy foliage , has fibrous tooth root .
You may also find rhizomatous begonias , which are known for their classifiable foliage and are often acquire in greenhouses .
Calla lily , Zantedeschia aethiopica , will grow well in a variety of Dominicus term and it favor slightly acidic soil .
Cold hardy to Zone 8 , industrial plant hand a height of two to three foot with a banquet of 18 to 30 inches , reckon on the variety show .
White is the classic chromaticity for these showy blossom , but a wide range of color are available today , including crimson , pinkish , orange , yellow , mystifying purpleness , pitch-black , and multicolored .
Though drouth kind , this plant also does n’t mind fuddled soils and boggy emplacement . Deer andrabbit resistant , calla lily lily can also digest poor soil .
dig out up the rootstock at the end of the season is recommend , for winter indoors .
‘ live Mix ’
Bulbs areavailable from Eden Brothers . try out the ‘ Hot Mix ’ for a colorful burst of ruddy , orange , and xanthous blossom .
Read more about growing calla lilies here .
Not to be confuse with the previous entry on our list , canna lilies have big leaves that may be gullible , purplish , bronze , and striped or variegated , and flowers that emerge on tall stalks in a mixed bag of colors .
Red , orangish , ointment , pink , yellow , or bicolor bloom make this tropic rhizome a standout in gardens in Zones 7 to 10 .
And the leafage continues to provide coloured interest in the garden even when flower are spent . They prefer full sunlight , and should be farm in moist , rich , well - enfeeble soil that is slenderly acidic .
This one ’s a heavyweight – bet on the variety . unretentive cultivar will max out at around 18 inches , while others will get through for the sky , strive up to eight pes grandiloquent !
project for a tumid footprint for these flora as well , ranging from 18 inches to a whopping six feet of spread .
Mulching should be sufficient to protect them in area with meek winters where temperature seldom dip below freezing . Otherwise , be after to dig up the rhizomes and bring them at heart !
A variety of cultivar areavailable from Eden Brothers .
Colchicumproduces what are sometimes refer to as “ naked ” flowers – exchangeable to crocuses in appearing , without any foliage to get in the way .
Leaves will finally come out with the arrival of spring .
Also do it as autumn crocus , meadow saffron , or naked gentlewoman , Colchicumspecies are members of the lily family .
This flower is not actually a crocus at all , but it does closely resemble one .
Lavender , pink , or purple blooms grow from corms , and they are deer and hare tolerant . good suited for Zones 4 to 8 , works average six to 12 inch in height with a similar facing pages .
They ’re wintertime hardy and can be implant in a variety of soil types and pH level . Plant in full to part sun and provide pot of moisture , in a well - draining localization .
‘ Pink chalice ’ is a popular cultivar , award the Royal Horticultural Society ’s Award of Garden Merit in 2018 .
This variety get hold of about six inch in height with flowers almost three inch across , and a sweet scent .
translate more about growingColchicumflowers here .
Wonderful for attracting bees , butterfly stroke , and hummingbirds , Crinumwill produce in a change of sun conditions in Zones 8 to 10 .
Plants spring up elsewhere should be educate indoors in containers , or fetch inside for the winter .
A fellow member of the amaryllis fellowship sometimes touch on to as crinum lily , established bulbs can grow to be huge – weight of up to 40 pounds have been put down !
These plant will reach out a height of two to four feet , with a spread of one to three feet , or sometimes more .
you may take your pick from smorgasbord with white , majestic , pink , red , or bicolor flowers . The lily - like fragrant blossoms have a virtuoso - shaped visual aspect , with narrow petals .
Crinumgrows well in organically rich , moist , well - run out soil , but it can tolerate a variety of soil types and pH levels . These do particularly well around pool or water garden boundary line .
C. asiaticumis one of the most predominant coinage , but you may happen others online and at local garden centers as well , such asC. augustum . Both of these are referred to as spider lilies .
You might have some difficultness separate autumn - bloomingCrocusfromColchicumif you plant both in your garden , but keep in judgment that true crocuses will have green foliation while they ’re blossom .
Hardy in Zones 6 to 9 , crocus do best in full Sunday locations with well - run out , organically deep soil with a neutral pH , but they can tolerate partial shade .
over-embellished or lavender efflorescence are more often than not short in height , maxing out at around four inch in elevation .
Several species ofCrocuswill flower in the former summer through fall , includingC. sativus , or the saffron crocus .
Saffron Crocus
As an added incentive , you might even try glean your own saffron . Corms areavailable from Eden Brothers .
C. pulchellus , or the hairy crocus , is another adorable choice – despite its unfortunate name .
It has pallid lilac blooms with yellow centers , and deep purple veins that supply some added visual interest with a striped show .
Learn more about develop crocuses here .
A colorful favorite for the late summer garden , butterflies love them – and you will , too .
Dahlias are uncommitted in a immense range of semblance , form , and bloom style , from the ivory and lilac ‘ Eveline ’ to the deep burgundy and finely run into ‘ Karma Choc . ’
Dahlias are deer resistant , and they grow well in full sun in Zones 7 to 10 . Depending on the variety , they can attain superlative of one to six feet with a spread of one to three foot .
flushed , pinkish , white-livered , orange , lavender , majestic , whitened , and more – basically every prime color is usable to you , except blue .
And the fun does n’t blockade there , with a multifariousness of single- and dual - flowering shapes and petal configurations on the market today include sea anemone , orchid , collarette , waterlily , decorative , stately , ball , pompon , cactus , and semi - cactus .
Dahlias should be constitute in organically rich , well - enfeeble soil , preferably with a slightly acidic pH , and mass medium moisture .
Keep in mind that taller variety should be planted deeper than those with a shorter stature at maturity .
Most gardeners wish to dig up their precious Tuber and store them for the winter , but you may be able-bodied to get off with skip over this in warmer growing zones .
Dahlia tubers areavailable from BurpeeandEden Brothers .
con more about growing dahlias here .
Eucomis , or pineapple lily , thrives in full sunlight to fond shade in Zones 7 to 10 .
With a height and gap of 18 to 24 inches , greenish - white or pinkish - purple efflorescence clusters with short fleeceable tuft to top them off resemble the fruit that they ’re named after .
These grow atop foresighted angry walk , and the plants sport strap - shaped leaves . violet seeds provide continued cosmetic interest later in the year .
Flies love to pollinate these . I know , I know – you ’re probably not a fan .
But along with othertypes of good insects , many types of fly provide a lively serving in the garden as pollinators ! butterfly stroke like them , too .
Eucomisneeds moderate moisture and grows upright in gently acidic to neutral soil comprised of chalk , loam , or sand .
Dig up the bulbs and store them indoors through the winter in cooler regions , for replanting in the spring .
‘ Safari Adventure ’
‘ Safari Adventure ’ pineapple lily bulb areavailable from Burpee . This is a striking cultivar with green and burgundy leaves , and ivory , rise , and purple flower spikes .
Another tower tropical , these glossy funnel - work flower develop spike of multiple blooms on narrow stems , and they love full sun pic .
Grown from corms , Gladiolusmay reach high of one and a half to six feet with a spread of one to two feet , and they are hardy in Zones 7 to 10 .
Blooms are usable in a miscellany of colors , including clean , pick , yellow , orangish , red , pink , green , lavender , and purpleness .
plant life in somewhat acidic to neutral , hoummos - rich , well - draining dirt with medium wet .
This fragrant flowerattracts a variety of pollinator , include bee , moth , wasp , and fly sheet . Dig them up for wintertime storage , or plan to begin fresh next yr in frigid grow zones .
Corms areavailable from Eden BrothersandBurpee .
Read more about growingGladiolusflowers here .
hyacinth are typically reckon as a fountain - blooming plant , but when grow in container indoors , they can beforced to flower in the late summer , fall , or wintertime .
This is an splendid option for flat - dwellers look for a number of lively colour to brighten thing up .
angelical - smelling and usable in a variety of pastel hues , dense flower clusters on tall stems may occasionally necessitate stake .
They ’re compact , reaching heights of six to 12 inch , with a spread of three to six inches .
Plant hyacinth in well - drain soil and keep the container in a coolheaded , colored spot until they sprout .
Youraverage potting soilshould do the trick , as they prefer light , loamy dirt with a impersonal pH.
Bulbs to uprise flowers in all of your favorite shades areavailable from Eden Brothers .
Learn more about arise hyacinths here .
With so many dissimilar iris varieties to opt from , it ’s give way to be difficult to nibble just one . But why would you do that ?
If you have a moist but well - draining , acidic to neutral position with loamy or sandy soil , pick a few and get quick for the show of rosiness to come !
Late - blooming bewhiskered irises are a gorgeous selection for this time of twelvemonth , and some cultivars will rebloom as well , increase their appeal in the garden .
break plant tags and mathematical product itemisation carefully to determine which varieties will bloom at this time of year .
‘ Matinata ’ is a reblooming variety with velvety , grim empurpled - blue blossoms .
‘ blazing ’
And ‘ Blatant,’available at Burpee , is another much - loved cultivar that ’s hard to ignore , with its bicolored canary yellow standards and magenta fall down .
Check out more iris varieties , available from Burpee .
interpret more about growing irises here .
Nerine , aka spider lily , like full sun in zone 8 to 11 .
Again , this is a plant that shares a common name and some optic similarity with another one of our top selection , but they are in fact different plant !
Nottrue lily , these are more closely related toAmaryllis .
spring leave die down in the summer , with waxy pink or rebel flowers to come .
Six narrow petal curve at the remainder in a starburst umbel formation , with prominent stamen . The bees , butterfly stroke , and hummingbirds wo n’t be able-bodied to stick forth .
works will reach an median peak of 18 to 24 inches with a spread of about three to eight inches , and flowers that are about six to eight inches extensive .
Nerinecan farm in a variety of soil type and a range of pH level from slightly acidic to alkaline , provided that the placement enfeeble well and adequate moisture is cater .
Seeds are screw for germinating pronto , sodeadhead after bloomingif that ’s something that you ’d rather avoid . Large bulbs can be chipped or geld up to create new plants alternatively .
Your best option for the garden beds is the Bowden lily ( N. bowdenii)since it ’s fearless enough for growing outside , while the Guernsey lily ( N. sarniensis)and its hybrids are more suitable to greenhouse finish .
you could go ahead and poke up the bulbs for the winter , if that ’s something you ’re prepared to do , with replant the next time of year in idea .
ultimately , for something a little different , adjudicate genus Ranunculus .
Currently experiencing a bit of a renaissance in the cut blossom and wedding system world , these colorful flowers are available in wraith of red , pinkish , purple , xanthous , and white .
R. asiaticusaka Persian butter-flower is the case that you ’re most probable to find and this is the species that we commend for late summer blooms .
The blossoms somewhat resemblepoppiesorroses , and they grow on tall stems . Some hybrids have double or bicolored flowers for added interest and a flake of whimsey .
With a pinnacle and spread of one to two feet , R. asiaticuslikes full sun , and has restrained water requirements . Plant it in light , well - draining soil that is slightly acidic , and avoid planting in clay .
genus Ranunculus is well - suited for acquire in Zones 3 to 11 , but unless you ’re garden in a place with warm winter in Zone 8 or above , plan to dig up your corm at the end of the time of year for replant in the bounce .
A variety of late summer - flower ranunculus corms areavailable from Eden Brothers .
discover more about grow ranunculus flowers here .
The Lazy Days of Summer
Late summertime is often thought of as a meter when our garden are looking less than their best , with go after vines in the veggie patch , spent blooms , and wilted foliage .
But this does n’t have to be the case , with a few cautiously selected bulbs !
Whether you choose to plant in containers to add indoors for the winter , dig them up to store for replant in the outpouring , or develop as annual for a single time of year of ornamental stake , there ’s a colorful option that ’s perfect for your originate conditions , and your horticulture manner .
And formore data about growing colorful flowers , check out these guides next :
© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more detail . Originally write August 13 , 2019 . Last updated 27 March , 2025 . Product photos via Burpee , Eden Brothers , and Nature Hills Nursery . Uncredited photograph : Shutterstock . importantly revised and expanded from a adaptation in the first place write by Matt Suwak .
About
Allison Sidhu
