The 10 Best Fast-Growing Flower Bulbs to Add Instant Charm to Your Garden

Grecian Windflower

The Grecian windflower (Anemone blanda) produces multiple blooms in early spring. "These cheerful flowers open wide in the sunshine, closing at night or on cloudy days, adding movement and charm to the garden," says Peggy Anne Montgomery, horticulturist for Flowerbulb.eu. "This early bloomer extends the season of interest in any garden and can be planted in perennial borders, under deciduous shrubs, and in rock gardens, and they look especially striking in large drifts beneath spring-flowering trees." 

• Zones: 3 to 10
• Size: 6 to 48 inches tall x 24 to 48 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun; sandy, loamy, moist, acidic soil

Calla Lilies

A beautiful flower that comes in an array of shades from purple and burgundy to pinks, reds, yellows, and whites, calla lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica) are a delight to grow in the garden. "Once planted, they grow quickly and produce their signature trumpet-shaped blooms in as little as a couple of months, making them a rewarding choice for gardeners who want big impact in a short time," says Rhonda Kaiser, owner of Southern Home and Farm. If you don't have much outdoor space, calla lilies do well in containers. 

• Zones: 8 to 11, or grown as annuals in cooler zones
• Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-draining soil

Hyacinths

If you're looking for a fragrant flower that grows from a bulb, consider hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis). "Under a warm spring sun, these bulbs grow quickly and produce dense bloom clusters that are wonderfully reliable, early to flower, and bring on a powerhouse show," says Jay Hutchins, general manager for Brent and Becky's.

"Their dense, upright flower spikes make a striking statement in garden beds, borders, containers, or even as accents along pathways," says Montgomery. You can also add a beautiful scent to your home with fresh-cut flowers. Another bonus is that these flowers are low-maintenance and return year after year, she says. 

• Zones: 4 to 8
• Size: 8 to 12 inches tall x 4 to 6 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-draining soil

Glory-of-the-Snow

Glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa) has star-shaped flowers with blue-tipped petals that fade to white. "Easy to grow in a variety of soils and conditions, these hardy bulbs are both disease- and deer-resistant, making them a reliable choice for any gardener," says Montgomery. Combine these flowers with other bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils, and grape hyacinths, to create layers of colors, she says. These plants are great for borders, rock gardens, and naturalized drifts, and as a bonus, they provide early nectar for pollinators, adds Montgomery.

• Zones: 3 to 8
• Size: 4 to 6 inches tall x 2 to 4 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full to partial sun; moist, well-draining soil

Dahlias

With a composite flower head, often in the shape of a ball, dahlias (Dahlia spp.) are a fun and vibrant flower. "Dahlias are amongst the most rewarding flowers you can grow from a bulb," says Kaiser. "They are easy to grow, perform well in full sun, and have a long flowering season," Even better? Dahlias flower within months of being planted and are very adaptable in the garden or as cut flowers, Kaiser notes.

• Zones: 8 to 11, or grown as annuals in cooler zones
• Size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-draining soil

Philippine Lilies

Philippine lilies (Lilium formosanum) put on a spectacular show in the garden in the summer. "In July and August, their elegant trumpet-shaped blooms appear on towering stems that can reach up to 7 feet tall, creating an impressive display," says Kaiser.  

• Zones: 7-10
• Size: 6 to 8 feet tall x 2 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full to partial sun; moist, well-draining soil

Crocus

Crocuses (Crocus spp.) are typically purple, lilac, yellow, or white, and they signal spring by adding a splash of color to the garden. "Crocuses are a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a fast-growing bulb because they’re among the very first flowers to bloom each spring," says Kaiser. She adds that they often push up through snow or cold soil when little else is flowering.

• Zones: 3 to 8
• Size: 6 inches tall x 1 to 3 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full to partial sun; well-draining soil

Daffodils

A sign that spring has arrived, daffodils (Narcissus) bring joy and a splash of color wherever they are growing. "Daffodils are one of the most beloved fast-growing bulbs because they require little effort and bring instant cheer to the garden with their bright, sunny blooms," says Kaiser. "With many varieties to choose from, they offer versatility for borders, containers, and naturalized landscapes," she adds.

• Zones: 4 to 8
• Size: 6 to 30 inches tall x 6 to 12 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full to partial sun; well-draining soil

Tulips

A classic bulb that blooms in spring, tulips (Tulipa) come in a range of colors, like yellow, pink, and red. "Tulips are one of the best fast-growing bulbs to plant because they deliver an incredible burst of color and elegance with very little effort," says Montgomery. Plant these bulbs in the fall for color and cheer in the spring. "With their wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, tulips offer endless design possibilities, and they pair beautifully with other early bloomers," she says. Bloom times range from early to late spring, adds Hutchins.

• Zones: 3 to 8
• Size: 6 to 24 inches tall x 4 to 12 inches wide
• Growing conditions: Full to partial sun; well-draining soil

Grape Hyacinths

Grape hyacinths (Muscari) produce flowers in clusters that add color to the garden. "Once planted, these hardy bulbs naturalize quickly, multiplying each year into larger, more vibrant clusters of charming, grape-like blooms," says Montgomery. "Their early spring flowers not only add rich carpets of blue, purple, pink, or white to the garden, but also provide an important nectar source for pollinators just emerging from winter." Plant them in garden beds or alongside lawns, she adds.  

• Zones: 4 to 8
• Size: 6 to 9 inches tall x 3 to 6 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full to partial sun; moist, well-draining soil