When many of us think of planting bulbs, the usual suspects come to mind. Tulips, daffodils, crocus and the rest of the spring flowering beauties that help usher in warmer temperatures and sunnier days. But, there are a number of other bulbs that add pops of vibrant color to the summer landscape. They will also serve as a welcome pick-me-up later when perennials may be flagging. Following are six outstanding choices to get your summer garden growing.

Dinner Plate Dahlias

My favorite of the summer flowering bulbs are the striking and multi-petal dahlias. These are available in various heights, colors, and sizes (even a so-called ‘Dinner Plate Dahlia’). Dahlias are easy to grow and bloom consistently from summer right through into the fall. They are an excellent addition to the flowerbed. Dahlias an absolute must for a cutting garden, as they are dazzling in bouquets and arrangements. Bulbs, or tubers, can be planted as soon as the danger of frost has passed in a sunny and moist, but well-drained, location. Taller varieties should be staked to prevent wind, heavy rain, or even a hefty bloom from breaking the stem.

Show-stopping Gladiolus

Native to South Africa and originally, and aptly, known as “sword lily,” gladiolus is another bulb that can be planted in spring for show-stopping drama later in the season. Instantly recognizable with its tall spiky stalks covered in blooms, gladioli come in a wide range of colors and add height (stems can reach 4 – 6 feet) to the back row of perennial beds. It has high impact when used as focal point, as well. Bulbs should be planted in full sun, and prefer well-drained, sandy loam soil. Don’t be afraid to cut them! Glads look spectacular when grouped in a vase, and are great mixed with other flowers in an arrangement.

Hardy Caladium (Elephant Ears)

Have a tough-to-fill shady spot in the garden? There’s a bulb for that! Not only are caladiums hardy and easy to grow, they are known for their elegant foliage that provides consistent visual interest while the flowers come and go in the rest of your landscape. Caladiums are available with streaky pinks, whites, or reds running through their billowy, heart-shaped leaves. Bulbs perform best when planted in well-drained soil, though some varieties will tolerate sun with a bit of extra watering. Plant after the danger of frost has passed, or start them indoors to get a jump on the growing season. And, try massing caladiums in pots for a different, but lovely, take on container planting.

Eye-catching Canna Lilies

Every year the swimming pool near my house fills its flowerbeds with canna lilies, and even if I’m not able to stop and take a dip as often as I’d like, I feel instantly transported to a tropical isle each time I pass by and see the glossy leaves and brightly colored flowers beckoning. Foliage is eye-catching in greens, browns, reds, and purples, and the bold flowers are dynamic whether they’re red, pink, yellow, or white. Cannas commonly reach 3-5 feet in height, with some even stretching to 8 feet. And despite their towering stalks, cannas rarely require staking since stems are sturdy and thick. They love the heat and full sun, so plant bulbs, or rhizomes, in a bright spot after the last frost. Mulch plants and water deeply at least once a week to keep soil moist.

Asiatic Lilies for Bees and Butterflies

Asiatic lilies, with their upright stems and trumpet-shaped flowers are true lilies, members of the genus Lilium, and not to be confused with the somewhat more commonly encountered daylilies. Flowers can be orange, yellow, red, white, or pink. The blooms are showy and often fragrant which makes them attractive to butterflies, bees – and people, too! Blooms not only look great in the flowerbed, but are fantastic when cut for arrangements. Bulbs are easy to grow and relatively carefree, as long as they’re planted in well-drained soil with 6-8 hours of sunlight every day. Asiatic lilies benefit from soil amended with organic matter, mulch, and regular watering. Taller varieties can be staked to prevent them from flopping over after a heavy rainfall. Plants typically vary in height from 2-4 feet, so for best results choose the right plant for the right place.

Mid-to-late Summer Crocosmia

Crocosmia, with its spiky foliage and gracefully arcing blooms, is a great choice for a sunny spot. Members of the iris family, crocosmia can be planted when the danger of frost has passed for mid-late summer blooms that last until fall. Stems regularly reach two feet in height. The flowers, in shades of warm reds, yellows, and oranges are mildly fragrant and great for cutting and bringing indoors. Leaves sometimes have a pleated or rippled appearance that provide a nice contrast to their flowers and makes them distinctive in the flowerbed. Since crocosmia won’t thrive in soggy conditions, be sure to plant it in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.

How to Care for These Plants in the Fall

You really can’t go wrong with any of the choices on this list. All are summer-blooming bulbs and low maintenance without sacrificing on beauty, and most can be preserved from one year to the next by digging them up in the fall and keeping them over the winter. As the weather starts to cool off, and foliage begins to yellow, gently dig up bulbs, (or corms, tubers, rhizones), shake off loose dirt, rinse, and allow them to dry completely before storing.

Discard any bulbs that are shriveled or have signs of disease and trim off the stems and foliage. Layer bulbs in containers filled with newspaper or another storage medium, making sure to give them plenty of space so there’s no overlapping. Store the containers in a cool, dry location such as a garage or unheated basement. And don’t forget to label your bulbs! In very early spring, bulbs can be planted indoors in pots to be moved outdoors when the weather warms up, or wait until soil temperatures start to climb and plant the bulbs directly in the ground for another great summer show.