Tulips and daffodils pop to the top of the mind in fall when bulb-planting season rolls around. But there are so many more bulbs that wait until June, or even July to unfurl their colorful blooms. And you should plant these all at the same time as the spring-bloomers. Here is a list of six summery candidates you should plant in fall:

Allium:

Allium carinatum surprises gardeners by blooming in July.

We know, and possibly grow, the great, big, Seuss-like big-headed Allium, most of which bloom along with the peonies. But there are several, more subtle Allium species that offer a whole new look in June and July.

1. Allium bulgaricum: Picture a fairy wand for muscular sprites. Its stems are long (around 20”), and end in a tuft of straight-up buds that gradually lengthen, droop, and open into dozens of delicate bells, which are striped with cream, green and rose. This Mediterranean native is no longer considered an allium, and is now called Nectaroscordum siculum subsp. Bulgaricum. Either way, it’s an easy plant to tuck in among other late May bloomers. Grows from 32″ to 36″; USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 (or colder) -10
2. Allium caeruleum (azureum): This is one flower that comes as close to true blue as a bloom can get. More relaxed in attitude than the big-headed Allium, A caeruleum sports individual florets that form a circle about the size of a golf ball. The hardest part about growing this blue beauty is leaving its slender stems alone when they seem to come out of nowhere in early May. Grows up to 18” high; USDA Hardiness Zones 4-7.
3. Allium carinatum ssp. Pulchellum: Practice saying this one’s name, because anyone who sees it blooming will want to know what it is. The most common description given is that it looks like purplish-pink fireworks. Appearing almost overnight on 18” stems, this European species increases easily enough that you’ll have plenty to share with admirers. Blooming in mid-July; USDA hardiness Zones 5-8.
4. Allium moly: An unusual color in the world of Allium, A. moly earns a second glance with its bright yellow flowers. At just a foot tall and hovering above blue-green leaves, this is an easy mixer with the shorter, early-June stars of the garden. Hardiness Zones 3-8.

Dichelostemma:

Dichelostemma is a genus with five species including distributed throughout the western United States, especially in northern California. According to the Pacific Bulb Society, D. congestum, which is commonly known as forktooth ookow or congested snake lily, is found in meadows and open woods from central California extending north of California into Canada. It blooms from April to June carrying dense, many-flowered clusters. In Arizona desserts, it blooms along with California poppy, often as early as March.

The good news for those in colder climates is that it’s hardy enough for the Midwest. Planted in clusters of at least a dozen, these 20” tall violet beauties will look great along with other early June bloomers.