11 Unusual Flowering Bulbs You’ve Never Heard Of
If you’re the type of gardener who likes to shake things up a bit, then this list is for you. Sure, tulips and daffodils are lovely, but sometimes you want something a little more… unexpected. I’m talking about the kind of unusual flowering bulbs that will have your neighbors peeking over the fence, asking, “What on earth is that?” And that’s exactly what these rare and exotic flowering bulbs do. Some are a bit quirky, some might raise an eyebrow (or nose, in the case of the Voodoo Lily), but each one offers something that’s well outside the ordinary garden fare. So, if you’re ready to add a little mystery and intrigue to your garden, grab a spade and take a look. Just be prepared for a few double-takes next spring!
Further reading: If you’re new to bulb gardening, see our in-depth guide to the various types and classifications of flowering bulbs to help you get started.
1. Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia)
This poppy is the crown jewel of high-altitude plants, with vibrant blue petals that look almost otherworldly. They’re notoriously finicky, demanding cool, moist environments—so not your average garden poppy. But get them right, and they’ll be the star of your garden.
- Growing Zones: 5-7
- Flowering Months: Late spring to early summer
- Colors: Sky blue
- When to Plant: Spring or fall
- Sunlight: Partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic
- Height/Spread: 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
- Where to Plant: Sheltered garden beds, woodland gardens
2. Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri)
If Dracula had a garden, he’d probably plant this. The bat-shaped flowers, complete with long, whisker-like tendrils, make it one of the most gothic plants around. It’s a conversation starter, but it needs warmth and humidity to thrive.
- Growing Zones: 9-11
- Flowering Months: Summer to fall
- Colors: Dark purple to black
- When to Plant: Spring
- Sunlight: Partial to full shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic
- Height/Spread: 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
- Where to Plant: Tropical gardens, shade gardens, containers
3. Nerine Bowdenii (Guernsey Lily)
This quirky bulb brings a burst of bright pink, curly blooms when most of your garden is getting ready for bed in late summer. This South African native is surprisingly tough and makes a dramatic statement in various garden projects.
- Growing Zones: 7-10
- Flowering Months: Late summer to fall
- Colors: Pink
- When to Plant: Spring
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy
- Height/Spread: 18-24 inches tall, 6-12 inches wide
- Where to Plant: Borders, containers, rock gardens
4. Dracunculus vulgaris (Dragon Arum)
This one’s not for the faint-hearted—its massive maroon flowers resemble something from a horror movie, and yes, its blooms have a bit of a stench! But if you’re after something bold, the Dragon Arum is a beast of a plant that’ll hold its own.
- Growing Zones: 6-9
- Flowering Months: Late spring to early summer
- Colors: Deep maroon, purple
- When to Plant: Fall or spring
- Sunlight: Partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, rich
- Height/Spread: 3-4 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
- Where to Plant: Woodland gardens, shady borders
5. Scadoxus multiflorus (Blood Lily)
The Blood Lily is like fireworks in flower form—bright red and round, with dozens of tiny blooms shooting out in every direction. It’s a summer sensation, and though it looks delicate, it’s tougher than it seems when planted in the right spot.
- Growing Zones: 9-11
- Flowering Months: Summer
- Colors: Red
- When to Plant: Spring
- Sunlight: Partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy
- Height/Spread: 12-18 inches tall, 12 inches wide
- Where to Plant: Borders, containers, tropical gardens
6. Lachenalia (Cowslip Hyacinth)
These playful little flowers might remind you of mini hyacinths but with a more tropical twist—bright, almost neon colors. They’re great for a splash of color in containers, and they don’t demand much, just a sunny spot and occasional water.
- Growing Zones: 9-10
- Flowering Months: Late winter to early spring
- Colors: Pink, purple, yellow
- When to Plant: Fall
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy
- Height/Spread: 6-12 inches tall, 4-6 inches wide
- Where to Plant: Containers, rock gardens, borders
7. Ferraria crispa (Spider Iris)
It’s called the Spider Iris, but there’s nothing creepy about it. The flowers have intricate patterns that look almost hand-painted, with shades of purple, yellow, and brown swirling across the petals. It’s a rare flowering bulb, but worth tracking down for its one-of-a-kind look.
- Growing Zones: 9-11
- Flowering Months: Spring
- Colors: Yellow, purple, brown
- When to Plant: Fall
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy
- Height/Spread: 12-18 inches tall, 8-12 inches wide
- Where to Plant: Rock gardens, containers, borders
8. Gloriosa superba (Flame Lily)
This climber is pure drama. Its bright, curling petals, often in fiery shades of red and yellow, almost seem to defy gravity as they bend backward. It’s a natural show-off, perfect for those who want their garden to make a bold statement.
- Growing Zones: 9-11
- Flowering Months: Summer to fall
- Colors: Red, yellow, orange
- When to Plant: Spring
- Sunlight: Partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, rich
- Height/Spread: 6-8 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
- Where to Plant: Trellises, fences, containers
9. Amorphophallus konjac (Voodoo Lily)
Think of the Voodoo Lily as the daredevil of the plant world. It produces a massive flower that can reach up to 6 feet, but here’s the catch—it smells a bit, well, rotten. But gardeners with a love of unusual bulbs can’t help but admire its sheer audacity.
- Growing Zones: 6-10
- Flowering Months: Spring to early summer
- Colors: Deep purple-black
- When to Plant: Spring
- Sunlight: Partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, rich
- Height/Spread: 4-6 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
- Where to Plant: Borders, containers, tropical gardens
10. Galtonia candicans (Summer Hyacinth)
Standing tall with elegant, drooping white flowers, this is the ballerina of summer bulbs. It adds a touch of grace to any garden, rising well above the ground to steal the spotlight.
- Growing Zones: 6-10
- Flowering Months: Summer
- Colors: White
- When to Plant: Spring
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, loamy
- Height/Spread: 3-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
- Where to Plant: Borders, cottage gardens, containers
11. Chasmanthe floribunda (African Corn Flag)
Picture a tropical bird mid-flight—that’s what the African Corn Flag’s flowers resemble, with their bold, curved spikes of red and orange. It’s the kind of plant that will make your garden feel like an exotic getaway.
- Growing Zones: 9-11
- Flowering Months: Late winter to early spring
- Colors: Orange-red
- When to Plant: Fall
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy
- Height/Spread: 3-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
- Where to Plant: Borders, tropical gardens, containers
Further Reading and Recommended Resources
There’s a lot to learn and love about rare and unusual flower bulbs. Here are some of my favorite books and resources:
Books:
- “The Complete Book of Bulbs & Bulb Gardening” by Kathy Brown – This comprehensive guide provides detailed planting and care instructions for various rare bulbs, complete with vibrant photography. It’s an excellent resource for both beginners and seasoned gardeners.
- “Annuals, Perennials, and Bulbs: 377 Flower Varieties for a Vibrant Garden” by Geoff Bryant – A detailed reference that covers planting and caring for unique bulbs, perennials, and annuals. It includes over 600 photographs and step-by-step instructions for gardening techniques.
- “Mastering The Art Of Flower Gardening” by Matt Mattus – This book covers bulb varieties, how to extend your growing season, and general tips for creating stunning floral arrangements throughout the year.
- Wyman’s Gardening Encyclopedia – This classic covers 9,500 plant species, including a wealth of information on unusual bulbs. It’s well-organized, scientifically thorough, and includes both expert knowledge and practical observations for your garden.
- Encyclopedia of Plants & Flowers by the Royal Horticultural Society – An extensive plant catalog that includes detailed bulb profiles, helping you choose the right plant for your space based on climate, size, and bloom season.
Online Resources:
- The National Gardening Association – This site offers plant care guides, a comprehensive pest control library, and a wealth of information on growing rare bulbs in different regions of the U.S.
- Cornell University’s Gardening Resources – Offering a wealth of horticultural information, this resource includes extensive guides on bulb selection, planting, and care for various regions and climates.
Forums and Communities
Getting advice from fellow gardeners can be incredibly useful. Websites like GardenWeb and The National Gardening Association have forums where people share their experiences and tips for growing unusual bulbs.
YouTube Channels
For visual learners, channels such as Garden Answer offer practical video tutorials. They cover everything from planting techniques to seasonal care tips for flowering bulbs.
Linsay is an American copywriter based in the Pacific Northwest with a background in academic writing and research. Linsay holds Master's degree in both Anthropology and Library and Information Sciences and has written for numerous national and international publications including USA Today, SFGATE, Hunker, and The Bump across an array of topics in the gardening, green living, and travel sectors. When she's not writing, you'll usually find Linsay reading, kayaking, sailing, snowboarding, or working in her garden.