There’s something magical about planting a bulb and waiting in eager anticipation to see what emerges. But why settle for the ordinary when you can introduce some of the most fascinating, unique, and downright extraordinary blooms to your garden? We have some truly weird bulbs in store for you…
From flowers that resemble exotic sea creatures to fiery climbers and deep, mysterious black blooms, this collection of weird, wacky, and wonderful bulbs will elevate your garden to an entirely new level.
These varieties don’t just turn heads – they start conversations, add drama, and ensure your outdoor space stands out from the rest.
So, if you’re looking to transform your beds, borders, and pots into a spectacle of the unusual, read on to discover some of the most remarkable bulbs to plant this season.
Starfish Iris Ferraria crispa
If you’re after a plant that sparks curiosity, the Starfish Iris is an absolute must – just look at it! With its crimped, starfish-like petals and intricate patterns, it looks more like a deep-sea creature than a flower. This wonder bursts into bloom in early summer, releasing a drawing fragrance while perched on slender stems.
‘Flame Lily’ Gloriosa rothschildiana
Few flowers can match the sheer spectacle of this ‘Flame Lily’. Its curling, flame-like petals in vibrant reds and yellows make it a showstopper, whether in the garden or as part of an extraordinary cut-flower arrangement.
This exotic climber, the national flower of Zimbabwe, twines its way upwards, making it perfect for trellises, fences, or even decorative pots. With a delightful fragrance and long-lasting blooms, the Flame Lily offers fiery elegance for months.
Aztec Lily Tigridia pavonia Mixed
A mixed colour set of Aztec Lilies, in striking, jewel tones – beautiful and dazzling with intricate spots and splashes. Very curious on the eye indeed!
Each bloom lasts just one day – just like a Daylily – but the plant produces a succession of flowers, ensuring a vibrant display that stretches across several weeks. These blooms contrast beautifully against their lance-shaped foliage. Plus, the bulbs can be lifted and stored in winter or grown in pots for easier protection, bringing an intriguing look to your garden next year too!
Black Calla Lily ‘Cantor’
For sheer elegance and drama, Black Calla Lily ‘Cantor’ is unrivalled, and is rather unique in the world of lilies.
See near-black, maroon-purple trumpet flowers with this variety, bringing a touch of the exotics to pots and borders alike. Bright green, lightly speckled foliage adds further contrast, making the blooms appear even more striking.
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’
With its dramatic, flame-red blooms that burst from wiry, arching stems, this variety looks like something from a botanical fantasy.
The flowers, arranged in freesia-like sprays, appear as if they’re flickering in the breeze, giving the impression of a garden set ablaze. Beneath the fiery display, its bold, sword-like foliage slices through the air, adding an architectural edge to beds and borders.
Reaching up to 1.2m tall, this peculiar yet mesmerising plant brings movement and energy to any space.
Lily ‘Landini’
Dark and dramatic, ‘Landini’ is a marvel that pushes the boundaries of nature’s colour palette. With its near-black, velvet-textured petals, this lily looks almost otherworldly, creating a mesmerising contrast against any other brighter blooms in your garden.
The statuesque stems carry clusters of inky flowers that seem to drink in the light.
Dahlia ‘Pom Pom’ Mix
A true horticultural oddity, Dahlia Pom Pom Mix looks as if nature has meticulously sculpted each bloom into a perfect, miniature globe. These tightly packed, almost geometric spheres of petals resemble delicate floral marbles or swirling fireworks frozen mid-burst.
Their strikingly uniform shape and vibrant colours add an element of playful whimsy to borders, beds, and pots. Blooming through summer, they create a surreal spectacle that lasts all summer long.
Dahlia ‘Fringed Star’
A delightful Dahlia with large, spiked petals that seem feathery at the edges. The jagged, fringed texture gives each bloom a wild, untamed appearance, while the bold contrast of hot pink and golden yellow makes it look as if it’s glowing from within.
Flowering from midsummer until the first frosts, this variety is impossible to ignore, whether in borders, pots, or cut for a striking indoor display.
Hardy Ginger Lily (Hedychium)
Just like a plant plucked straight from a rainforest, with towering spikes of flamboyant, ruffled blooms that burst into colour in late summer.
Each flower appears almost otherworldly, with spidery petals and an intoxicatingly rich scent that drifts through the air. Below, broad, glossy leaves unfurl like lush green sails, adding to its jungle-like presence.
