Summer bulbs are one of the easiest ways to get huge colour with minimal effort. Plant them once, and they reward you with:
- Bold blooms all summer (many are true showstoppers)
- Great cut flowers (dahlias, gladiolus, lilies)
- Pollinator support (bees + butterflies love many varieties)
- Layering + height for beds and containers (from low fillers to tall spires)
- A “custom garden” look without needing to be an expert
To make shopping simple, we’ve grouped what’s available into four balanced sections, based on how people actually plan gardens: tropicals, cut flowers, summer colour bulbs, and hardy perennials/bulbs.
What’s Available in Spring
1) Tropical & Patio Showstoppers
(Best for warm spots + containers)
These are the “vacation vibe” plants, perfect for patios, entry planters, and any sunny spot that needs drama.
- Calla Lily
- Canna
- Curcuma
- Agapanthus
- Amaryllis
- Hardy Amaryllis
- Cyclamen
- Lucky Clover (Oxalis)
Best for: containers, protected warm locations, bold leaf + bloom impact.
2) Cut-Flower Favourites
(Tall, dramatic, bouquet-ready)
If you love bringing flowers inside, this is your section. These are classic “cut-and-come-again” favourites and tall statement blooms.
- Dahlia
- Gladiolus
- Oriental Lily
- Asiatic Lily
- Tiger Lily
- Trumpet Lily
- Wood Lily
- Eremurus
Best for: cutting gardens, back-of-bed height, big seasonal bouquets.
3) Summer Colour Bulbs & “Unique Blooms”
(Fun shapes + fast payoff)
These are the ones that make people stop and say, “What IS that?” Great for adding texture, colour, and personality.
- Anemone
- Ranunculus
- Freesia
- Trigridia
- Sparaxis
- Ixia
- Triteleia
- Starfish Lily
- Eucomis (Pineapple Lily)
- Guernsey Lily
- Polianthes (Tuberose)
- Mirabilis Jalapa (Four O’Clock)
- Ornithogalum saundersiae
Best for: unique garden moments, containers, and colour that feels curated.
4) Hardy Perennials, Pollinator Power & Shade-Lovers
(Plant and enjoy for years)
These are the dependable “come back every year” plants, and many are pollinator favourites, and several are perfect for shadier gardens where summer bulbs don’t always shine.
- Peony
- Allium
- Crocosmia
- Liatris
- Asclepias (Butterfly Weed)
- Lupin
- Achillea
- Siberian Iris
- Hosta
- Astilbe
- Bleeding Heart
- Virginia Bluebells
- Jack in the Pulpit
- Begonia
When to plant summer bulbs (Zones 4–6)
Plant after the risk of frost has passed and once the soil has warmed up. In our area, that usually means late spring.
Rule of thumb: if nights are still close to freezing, wait. The warm soil is the secret to strong starts.
For Zones 4–6 in Eastern Ontario, that usually looks like:
- Zone 6 (Brockville): early to mid-May
- Zone 5 (Ottawa): mid to late-May
- Zone 4 (Petawawa/Pembroke): late May to early June
How to store summer bulbs
(so they stay perfect)
Keep bulbs in a cool, dark, dry place until planting time.
Best method:
Store them in dry vermiculite inside a cardboard box, paper bag, or ventilated container. This helps protect them from excess moisture (rot risk) while keeping them from drying out too quickly.
Avoid: sealed plastic bags, damp basements, or anywhere they’ll freeze.
How to plant
(quick, simple rules)
Most summer bulbs do best in:
- Full sun to part sun
- Well-drained soil
- Planting depth: about 2–3× the height of the bulb/tuber
Before you drop the bulb in, sprinkle a little bone meal into the planting hole (follow label rates) to support strong roots and better blooms. Then backfill, water in well, and finish with a light layer of mulch to help hold moisture, reduce weeds, and keep soil temperatures steady.
Always check the package for variety-specific spacing and depth, because some like tight clusters, others need room to breathe.
Pro tip: If your soil holds water, mix in compost or a soil booster to improve drainage.
Need help choosing bulbs for your space?
Pop into your local Ritchie’s (or reach out) and we’ll help you pick the best bulbs for your sun exposure, containers vs beds, and the look you want, plus we can help get product shipped to the right location when possible.
