- By the dedicated team of editors and writers at Newsletter Station.
When we think of a garden, the first plants that often come to mind are vibrant roses, elegant lilies, and cheerful sunflowers. While these classic favorites certainly have their charm, there's a fascinating world of unusual bulbs and bulb-like plants beyond the usual choices.
Unique flowering bulbs can add unexpected shapes, colors, textures, and seasonal interest to your landscape. Some produce dramatic flower spikes, while others have unusual blooms or fascinating growth habits that make them natural conversation starters. In this blog, we'll explore seven unusual bulbs and related underground-storage plants that can transform your garden into a more distinctive and memorable outdoor space.
Fritillaria Imperialis (Crown Imperial)
Imagine tall stems topped with a crown-like cluster of drooping, bell-shaped flowers in shades ranging from deep orange and red to bright yellow. Crown Imperial is a striking spring-blooming bulb that can add height and drama to a garden bed.
Native to parts of the Middle East and Asia, this distinctive plant can grow several feet tall under the right conditions. It also has a strong, musky scent that some gardeners find unpleasant but that may help discourage certain garden pests.
Plant Crown Imperial bulbs in well-drained soil and a sunny location. Because the bulbs can rot in overly wet conditions, good drainage is especially important. Its unusual form makes it an excellent choice for adding architectural interest to spring gardens.
Eucomis Autumnalis (Pineapple Lily)
Native to southern Africa, the Pineapple Lily gets its memorable name from its unusual flower head, which resembles a small pineapple topped with a leafy crown. Depending on the variety, the flowers can appear in shades of green, cream, pink, or burgundy.
Pineapple lilies thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil and can bring a somewhat tropical appearance to a summer garden. They're particularly effective when planted in groups or containers where their unusual flowers can be appreciated up close.
In cooler climates, gardeners may need to treat them as tender bulbs, lifting and storing the bulbs or growing them in containers that can be protected from freezing temperatures.
Arisaema Triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit)
Jack-in-the-Pulpit is a fascinating North American woodland native known for its distinctive hooded flower structure. The striped or greenish spathe curves around a central spadix, creating the appearance of a tiny figure standing inside a pulpit.
Beyond its unusual appearance, Jack-in-the-Pulpit has an interesting reproductive strategy. Individual plants can change sex as they mature, with younger plants more likely to produce male flowers and larger, more established plants more likely to produce female flowers under favorable conditions.
This perennial is well suited to shady, woodland-style gardens with rich, consistently moist soil. Its distinctive flowers are followed by clusters of bright red berries later in the season. However, the plant and berries are toxic if eaten, so plant it with care around children and pets.
Eremurus (Foxtail Lily)
If you're looking to add vertical drama to your garden, Foxtail Lily is hard to overlook. Also known as desert candle, Eremurus produces tall flower spikes covered with numerous small, star-shaped blossoms.
Native to Central Asia and surrounding regions, these plants prefer full sun and exceptionally well-drained soil. Depending on the species and growing conditions, flower stalks can reach impressive heights, making them particularly effective toward the back of a perennial border.
Foxtail Lily's unusual growth habit makes it an excellent companion for lower-growing plants that surround its foliage while letting tall flower spikes stand out. Choose its planting location carefully because the roots can be sensitive to excess moisture.
Camassia Quamash (Common Camas)
For gardeners who appreciate native plants and naturalistic landscapes, Common Camas offers understated but beautiful appeal. Native to western North America, this bulb produces clusters of star-shaped blue or blue-purple flowers above narrow, grass-like foliage.
Camassia can be particularly attractive when planted in groups, creating a meadow-like effect as the flowers appear in spring. It generally prefers moisture-retentive soil compared with many other bulbs and can work well in areas that remain somewhat damp during its growing season.
Camas also has important cultural significance. Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest traditionally harvested and prepared camas bulbs as a food source. Because some other plants resemble edible camas, never attempt wild harvesting without expert knowledge and proper identification.
Allium Schubertii
If you think alliums are limited to perfectly round flower globes, Allium Schubertii will change your perspective. Sometimes described as resembling fireworks, this dramatic ornamental onion produces a large flower head with individual florets extending outward at different lengths.
The result is an open, sculptural shape that can look almost like a burst of fireworks frozen in place. The flowers are especially interesting when allowed to dry on the plant, where their unusual structure can continue providing visual interest.
Allium Schubertii performs best in full sun and well-drained soil. Its distinctive form works especially well in contemporary, cottage, rock, and pollinator-friendly garden designs.
Lycoris Radiata (Red Spider Lily)
With slender, curling petals and exceptionally long stamens, the Red Spider Lily creates one of the most unusual displays in the late-season garden. Native to parts of East Asia, it produces vivid red flowers in late summer or early fall, often after its foliage has disappeared.
This growth pattern is sometimes called "naked flowering" because the flowers emerge on leafless stems. The foliage typically appears at another time of year, creating an intriguing seasonal cycle.
Spider lilies can add a welcome burst of color when many summer flowers are beginning to fade. They prefer well-drained soil and generally perform best in sunny to partially shaded locations, depending on the climate. As with many ornamental bulbs, the plant is toxic if eaten.
Adding unusual bulbs and bulbous plants to your garden is like incorporating hidden gems into a landscape. These botanical curiosities showcase the plant world's incredible diversity while adding unusual colors, forms, heights, and seasonal interest.
Whether you choose the regal appearance of Crown Imperial, the whimsical shape of Pineapple Lily, the woodland charm of Jack-in-the-Pulpit, or the fireworks-like structure of Allium Schubertii, each plant brings something distinctive to the garden.
Before planting, check each variety's growing requirements and hardiness for your area. Pay particular attention to drainage, sunlight, planting depth, and winter protection. With the right conditions and a little planning, unusual bulbs can help turn an ordinary garden into an outdoor space filled with color, character, and plenty of conversation starters.
