Plant smaller bulbs for bloom as they mature in another couple of years. Sometimes containers are the best way to satisfy these contrasting needs. Bloom time stretches from late spring through summer. Recently available hybrids include a rainbow of colors, often within the same bloom. Once flowers and leaves have withered, stop watering and allow the tuber to go dormant.
Colors range from greens and yellows to wine-purples, with oranges and reds and pinks in between.
Some are fragrant. All are hardy and will thrive in most garden soils after the first year or two of settling in. Bloom time is literally a day for each bloom, but 10 to 15 buds on each branch continue opening for weeks. With a selection of varieties, color can extend from late spring through early fall. Plant just below soil level in moderately rich, well-drained soil.