Spring-Flowering and Summer-Flowering Bulbs.

Spring-Flowering Bulbs are Hardy;
Summer-Flowering are Tender

Bulbs fall generally into two groups: spring-flowering (which are planted in the fall) and summer-flowering (which are planted in the spring). A more accurate grouping, however, divides bulbs into hardy and tender varieties. 

As a rule, spring-flowering bulbs are hardy bulbs. These bulbs are planted in the fall, generally before the first frost, and can survive (and indeed require for sprouting) the cold winter months. Many hardy bulbs, such as daffodils, perennialize well and can be left in the ground to flower year after year. 

Most summer-flowering bulbs are tender bulbs. These bulbs cannot survive harsh winter conditions and must be planted in spring after the last frost of the season. To enjoy these bulbs year after year, they must be dug up in fall and stored indoors over the winter. A notable exception is the lily. Many summer-flowering lily varieties are quite hardy and can be planted in either fall or spring.

Bulb flowers are among the most popular and best loved in the world. Spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips, crocuses, hyacinths, daffodils, and irises are universal symbols of spring. Their lush and colorful flowers are the first to bring life back to a barren winter landscape. Summer-flowering bulbs such as dahlias, begonias and anemones bring variety, texture, unique color and long flowering times to summer gardens. Planted with care and planning, bulbs can keep a garden alive with color from the last snows of winter through the first frosts of fall.