3 colorful bulbs!
By: Garden Gate staff
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Brighten a border with bulbs
Fill gaps between spring and summer flowers with bulbs that bloom during this time! Mixing bulbs into the border adds reliable color and interest, as well as unique flower shapes and plant habits.
To mix bulbs into the border, position companions just in front, instead of directly on top, of the bulb. This way, other plants won’t overshadow the bulb’s foliage, which would hinder photosythesis and reduce next year’s flower show. You’ll also need bulbs that won’t mind the extra water surrounding perennials require to get through summer — the 3 ahead are perfect options.
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’Pinball Wizard’ allium Allium
‘Pinball Wizard’ adds height to the middle of the border. Planting in groups of 3 to 5 makes the densely packed flower heads really stand out from a distance.
Type Bulb
Blooms Purple flowers in summer
Light Full sun
Soil Well-drained
Size 18 to 24 in. tall, 15 to 18 in. wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 5 to 8
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 8 to 1
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’Rudy’ triplet lily Triteleia laxa
The contrast of these striped blooms draws the eye along the front of the border.
Type Bulb
Blooms White flowers with blue stripes from early to late spring
Light Full sun to part shade
Soil Well-drained, tolerates clay
Size 13 to 18 in. tall, 6 to 9 in. wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 5 to 9
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 9 to 1
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Turk’s-cap lily Lilium superbum
Want striking blooms and bright color at the back of the border? Turk’s-cap lily also attracts hummingbirds.
Type Bulb
Blooms Orange with maroon speckles in summer
Light Full sun to part shade
Soil Moist, well-drained
Size 48 to 72 in. tall, 6 to 12 in. wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 4 to 9
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 9 to 1
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