Seven Surprising Bulbs for Spring

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Gladiolus

Lilies

Tuberous begonia

Crocosmia (Montbretia)

Dahlia

Calla (Zantedeschia)

Canna

This flower is famous for its bright colors and spiky growth habit.
Planting note: In slightly colder zones (like North Carolina, Northern California), these bulbs should be lifted and stored in a cool, dry place for winter.

Lilies come in a range of colors and sizes—plus, many new varieties are grown and introduced each year.
Planting note: In warmer regions, these bulbs do not need to be lifted in the fall. But don’t worry, in cooler places like Ithaca, NY, hybrid lilies are perfectly hardy. Well-drained soil will give you the best results.

A classic container and hanging basket plant, begonias come in bright colors, with huge double flowers. As an added benefit, they can grow in the shade.
Planting note: Protect begonias in the winter with cool, dry storage.

A tropical-looking plant with sword-like leaves and small flowers. Colors range from red to orange to yellow, and the best variety is known as "Lucifer."
Planting note: While not known for being winter-hardy, they can do well in areas like upstate New York––provided there is good drainage. When in doubt, lift in the late fall after the first frost.

This grows from clumps of "tuberous roots" and comes in hundreds of varieties––in almost every color. You can also find bronze-leaf varieties, too.
Planting note: Lift them in the fall, as tuberous roots are quite sensitive to the cold. When dividing, be sure to have at least one true bud (from the top of the clump) with each swollen root.

Larger forms (such as white aethopica) are used for cut-flower arrangements, but smaller ones work well in the garden. Newer breeding has resulted in hybrids that come in many colors, form, and leaf variations. Colors include bright red, yellow, orange and purple.
Planting note: Callas need to be lifted in the winter in most areas.

You may think of this as a perennial, but technically, it’s a rhizome (like ginger). Cannas have a range of heights and flower colors, and their leaves are large and tropical-looking.
Planting note: Most cannas can tolerate wet conditions, such as pond edges, and are easy to grow and divide in temperate areas.

Next: Gladiolus » Next: Lilies » Next: Tuberous begonia » Next: Crocosmia (Montbretia) » Next: Dahlia » Next: Calla (Zantedeschia) » Next: Canna »