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What are Some Different Types of Flower Bulbs?

N. Phipps
N. Phipps

Flower bulbs are some of the most versatile plants around. There are many different types of bulbs that can be grown for nearly any purpose. Bulbs also thrive under a wide range of growing conditions.

Hardy spring-flowering bulbs are some of the more commonly seen flower bulbs planted in the garden. Spring bulbs are normally planted in the fall. These hardy bulbs require a cold period to trigger flowering and healthy growth. They are some of the first blooms seen in early spring as well. Popular spring flower bulbs include crocuses, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths.

Bloom times should be considered when purchasing bulbs.
Bloom times should be considered when purchasing bulbs.

Crocus blooms are some of the first flower bulbs to pop up at the end of winter. Crocus flowers are quite attractive, usually purple or violet colored. Daffodils are well known for their cupped yellow blooms. These bulb plants also come in various other colors too, like pink and white, and different sizes. They’re also good bulbs for deterring deer and rodents from the area.

Tulip bulbs are normally planted in the fall and blossom in the spring.
Tulip bulbs are normally planted in the fall and blossom in the spring.

Tulips are also popular spring flower bulbs. Tulips can be found in a multitude of colors and grow in nearly any garden or landscape. While many are grown for their striking colors, most hyacinths are favored for their intense fragrance. Like other spring bulbs, hyacinth plants are highly versatile and can be grown in a wide range of conditions.

Tender flower bulbs are planted in spring for summer flowering. These bulb plants require lifting in fall in areas with freezing temperatures. They are normally stored throughout winter, as they cannot tolerate cold conditions. Some common summer-flowering bulbs include lily, dahlia, gladiolus, and tuberous begonia.

Some flower bulbs can be used to purposely repel deer.
Some flower bulbs can be used to purposely repel deer.

Many daylily varieties provide exotic-like aromas. These beautiful plants are available in numerous colors and growing conditions, making them suitable nearly anywhere. Dahlias are extremely popular, coming in many sizes, from very small blooms to those as large as dinner plates. They’re easy to care for and will instantly fill the garden with beauty.

Of all the tender summer-flowering bulbs, none is as easy to grow as gladiolus. Give these flower bulbs some sunshine and well-drained soil and they will flourish. Tuberous begonias are easy to grow as well. Provide them moist conditions and partial shade to enjoy their breath-taking blooms and color.

Bulbs are extremely versatile, growing in nearly any garden style, on any budget, and for any purpose. There are flower bulbs for wet areas and some that are well suited for dry sites. There are bulbs that grow in sun and bulbs that grow in shade. There are bulbs for cold climates and there are bulbs for mild ones. There are flower bulbs for every purpose and every season.

Discussion Comments

Lostnfound

I love to plant bulbs in general. They almost always come up and bloom with so little effort! Just plant them to the recommended depth, cover them with dirt, and you've planted bulbs!

I also like daffodils, but hyacinths are nice, too. They smell so lovely, and they add a pop of purple or pink to the yard in the spring. I'm very fond of them. I also like freesias. They're colorful, too.

Bulbs are not usually very expensive, either, and you get a lot in one package. So since they almost always come up, you get good value for your money.

Grivusangel

My favorites are daffodils. Squirrels will dig up tulip bulbs, but they leave daffodils alone, for some reason. They must not taste good.

When I buy daffodil bulbs in the fall -- usually in September -- I (believe or not) keep them in the crisper drawer in the fridge until cool weather. Then I plant them in November or December and they come up in the spring!

Daffodils need a fair amount of cold in order to bloom, so putting them in the fridge keeps them nice and cool without freezing the bulbs themselves. It has always worked very well for me.

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    • Bloom times should be considered when purchasing bulbs.
      By: tsach
      Bloom times should be considered when purchasing bulbs.
    • Tulip bulbs are normally planted in the fall and blossom in the spring.
      By: zimmytws
      Tulip bulbs are normally planted in the fall and blossom in the spring.
    • Some flower bulbs can be used to purposely repel deer.
      By: satori
      Some flower bulbs can be used to purposely repel deer.