- Canna, Hedychium, Agapanthus, Crinum, Lycoris, Zephyranthes, Cyclamen, Habranthus, Allium, Sprekelia, Hippeastrealia, Amarcrinum, Dahlia, Oxalis and many more
Bulbs for the perennial garden reach far beyond the golden trumpets of daffodils so familiar in spring. Many gardeners are becoming increasingly aware of the wide variety of summer and fall bulbs, corms, tubers, and tuberous rooted flowering perennial plants such as agapanthus, allium, cannas, crinum, lycoris and hedychium.
Read More About Bulbs
When you buy bulbs you bring joy and surprise with new plants seeming to leap out of nowhere to display an amazing flower. Some of the most exotic, rarest and hardest to find new plants that we sell are bulbs. We scour the world and find the coolest exotic bulbs from far off places like China, Japan, and South Africa but also bring you rare and esoteric North American native geophytes. We offer some of the worlds largest collections of eucomis (pineapple lilies), zephyranthes and habranthus (rain lilies), crinum (crinum lilies), lycoris (surprise or hurricane lilies), hedychium (ginger lilies), and hymenocallis (spider lilies). Not only are we plant nuts ourselves, but we are fortunate to work with breeders and plant specialists around the world to bring you some of the rarest and most wonderful geophytes.
Since 1988, Plant Delights Nursery has been the choice of serious gardeners and plant collectors looking for the best and rarest perennial plants. We are pleased to have received the Perennial Plant Association Retail Award in 2011, the American Horticulture Society Commercial Award in 2002, and to have been selected as one of the Best Mail Order Plant Sources - Garden Design Magazine 2010. Welcome to our family of plant lovers!
Not to be confused with the alien fighters of a similar name, Agapanthus 'Back in Black' is a new Lily-of-the-Nile from Holland's Piet Zonneveld. In late summer this 2005 introduction produces dark green flower scapes from the strap-like green foliage which age to black. The 2' tall flower scapes are topped with flower heads of very dark blue-purple flowers...quite striking and a favorite of hummingbirds. This is patented as an Agapanthus africanus selection, but being an open pollinated seedling, this species assignment is highly suspect. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
Agapanthus 'Bressingham Blue' is a 1972 introduction selected by the late plantsman Alan Bloom of the UK's Bressingham Gardens. Agapanthus 'Bressingham Blue' is a seedling selection from thousands of plants of the famous Headbourne hybrids. The clump of narrow, green, winter-deciduous leaves is topped, starting in late June (NC), with 30" stalks ending in 4.5" round flower heads of dark blue-violet flowers. Agapanthus 'Bressingham Blue' has been a vigorous, outstanding cultivar in our trials. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
(Patent 7303 expired) From California's Archie Amate comes this 1990 introduction, a phenomenally vigorous evergreen (in mild climates) Lily-of-the-Nile that makes a fast-growing 3' tall clump of green strap-like leaves, topped in midsummer with hummingbird-attracting dark blue-violet (RHS 93A), 8" wide flower heads on 50" tall stems. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
(Patent 7297 expired) Agapanthus 'Ellamae'...now there's a plant with a good southern name! From California's Archie Amate comes this 1990 introduction, a monstrous and vigorous lily-of-the-Nile that makes a large clump of green strap-like leaves, topped in midsummer with dark blue-violet umbels of flowers on Jack and the Beanstalk-like 66" tall stems...butterflies not included. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
This fully deciduous South African agapanthus species can be found in open meadows in the Drakensberg and surrounding mountain ranges. The clumps of strap-like green leaves are topped in July with 2' tall spikes of dark purple-black pendulous flowers in July...a very nice lily-of-the-Nile selection that is also a favorite hummingbird flower. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
Agapanthus 'Stevie's Wonder' is an introduction from California's Emerissa Gardens that I picked up on a West Coast swing many years ago...as much for the name as anything else. Over the years, this has been the star in our agapanthus trials, both for winter hardiness, deer-resistance, and outstanding flowering. The 2.5' to 3' tall (over 6' tall in the Pacific Northwest) spikes are topped with 4" ball-shaped heads composed of rich blue-violet, hummingbird-attracting flowers. I think you will find Agapanthus 'Stevie's Wonder' a superb garden-worthy clone, sure to be the sunshine of your life. We'll get yours on the way...signed, sealed, delivered. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
Thanks to Barrie Coate for setting us straight on the origin of this great agapanthus. When Barrie was director of the Saratoga Horticultural Foundation, he selected this gem from thousands of open pollinated seedlings of the deciduous Agapanthus 'Mood Indigo'. The resulting evergreen selection (only to 28 degrees F) is a dynamite lily-of-the-Nile with the typical strap-like foliage to 24" tall. Through late summer, the huge clumps of Agapanthus 'Storm Cloud' foliage are topped with giant, magnificent, hummingbird-friendly flower heads of bluish-purple on very sturdy stalks to 4' tall...WOW! Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
From Kees de Jong of Holland comes an amazing agapanthus that appeared in his cut flower field of blue Agapanthus africanus. The deciduous (evergreen in mild climates), 1.5" wide green foliage makes a 2' wide clump, topped in midsummer with 30" stalks of huge 10" flower heads of up to 80 pure white flowers...a hummingbird favorite. It took Barry Bonds years of steroid use to get a head this large...Agapanthus 'White Heaven' has consistently tested clean. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
(aka: Allium luteum) This fantastic selection of the southern European golden garlic was made by Antoine and Michael Hoog in 1978 while trekking in the Spanish Pyrenees. Allium 'Jeannine' is greatly improved over the typical species by having golden flowers instead of the typical greenish yellow, and by producing two flower spikes per bulb instead of the typical one. Allium moly 'Jeannine' also comes into flower a few weeks earlier than the normal species, which means late May/early June in NC. The small clumps are topped with 2" umbels of bright yellow flowers atop 10" stalks...very cute! Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
Alocasia cucullata 'Yellow Tail' is a quirky little elephant ear that has fared very well in our garden trials since 2002. In shape, Alocasia 'Yellow Tail' resembles a vigorous form of typical Alocasia cucullata, forming 3' tall x 3' wide clumps of small, twisty, thick, glossy green leaves, but with leaves that are bordered with an irregular, narrow yellow edge...a plant for collectors who need every one. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
(syn: Alocasia macrorrhiza) This very cool elephant ear is quite different from the typical Colocasia esculenta. The thick, sculpted, glossy green leaves are held upright on dramatically rigid stems. A clump of giant upright elephant ears is guaranteed to stop visitors in their tracks...especially if they walk into it! Alocasia macrorrhizos has been quite hardy in the Raleigh area, surviving 0 degrees F, but prefers it a bit warmer. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
In 2005, we were botanizing north of Hanoi and after finding our road washed out, we retreated through a series of uninteresting back roads until sighting this bizarre form of the common Alocasia macrorrhizos in the front yard of a small home. The owner gladly shared a piece that we subsequently named Alocasia 'Shock Treatment'. This mutation of Alocasia macrorrhizos is a 3' tall clumper with glossy green, bizarrely twisted and crinkled leaves resembling a larger version of Alocasia cucullata 'Crinkles'. So far, this has proven as winter hardy as regular Alocasia macrorrhizos. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
(syn: Alocasia x portora 'Portodora') This superb alocasia hybrid was selected by Ron Weeks from seedlings of a cross made by LariAnn Garner of Aroidia Research. This hybrid of Alocasia odora x Alocasia portei makes a stunning upright clump that is essentially an improved Alocasia macrorrhizos. Each giant, green, heavily-scalloped leaf is held sturdily upright atop a thick, muscular, purple stalk. This is truly an architectural specimen plant for any garden. As with all elephant ears, a moist, rich organic soil is best. A good, thick winter mulch helps prevent rot caused by cold, damp soils. Pot Size: 2 qt. (1.892 L)
Available 6-13-2013 Although this hardy and easy-to-grow elephant ear was first described in 1916, the true species is just now becoming known in horticultural circles. From the remote mountains of New Guinea, Alocasia wentii is one of the few alocasias we have found to be winter-hardy in our Zone 7b climate. The glossy bronze-green leaves reach 1' in length as they adorn this tightly clumping elephant ear. As the breeze blows, you will enjoy the contrasting metallic-purple leaf backs. Plant Alocasia wentii corms at least 6" deep in soils that remain dry in the winter months. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
We are pleased to share this wonderful introduction from the breeding program of Mark Bridgen of Cornell University. Alstroemeria 'Freedom' boasts similar heat- and cold-tolerance to that of Alstroemeria 'Sweet Laura'. The winter rosettes of green foliage give rise from June through September to 30" tall spikes of peachy red flowers (RHS 53D), highlighted at the tip of the uppermost two petals with a bold white pattern speckled with carmine...a hummingbird delight. Alstroemeria 'Freedom' has proven to be much more of a clumper in contrast to the more common runner, Alstroemeria psittacina. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
(aka: Alstroemeria 'Inca Ice') Alstroemeria 'Koice', from Holland's Könst Alstroemeria, has been a star in our trials as well as at Walters Gardens in Michigan. For us, the clumping Alstroemeria 'Koice' begins flowering in early June and continues nonstop until frost. The 18" tall stalks of Inca Ice princess lily are topped with clusters of light peach flowers highlighted with cinnamon flecks...a hummingbird treat. In 2011, Alstroemeria 'Koice' sailed through -12 degrees F in western Michigan! Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
This 2007 introduction from Cornell's Mark Bridgen makes a compact clumper, topped from mid-June through September with abundant clusters of 30" tall, sturdy, upright spikes that end in rosy-pink flowers, two petals of which are highlighted with a yellow base. Because Alstroemeria 'Mauve Majesty' makes a tight clump, it is perfect for a small space in a small garden. Alstroemeria 'Mauve Majesty' has been a great performer in our trials, and a hummingbird hangout. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
(aka: Alstroemeria 'Staprioxa') Alstroemeria 'Princess Oxana' is another of the rock garden alstroemeria hybrids that stood out in our trials for both heat and cold tolerance. This 2002 introduction from Holland's Van Zanten Plants forms a compact clump 10" tall x 18" wide, topped, starting in midsummer, with large rosy-red flowers, highlighted by a central yellow band with brown bands in the background. For us, flowering slows during the hottest part of summer, but resumes when the weather cools...great in the rock garden or in colorful summer containers. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
This Japanese selection improves on the native Brazilian species with dramatic, white-edged leaves. This winter-grower makes a spreading mass of attractive foliage to 15" tall x 3' wide in 6 years (much slower than the species). In June, the flowering stems erupt to nearly 3', each topped with narrow tubular flowers speckled maroon and green...a hummingbird magnet. After flowering, the clump goes semi-dormant for the summer, re-emerging in September. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
From Mark Bridgen at Cornell University comes this extraordinarily hardy and fragrant princess lily. The winter rosettes of green foliage give rise from June through September to 30" tall stems of golden flowers, highlighted with orange tips and cinnamon specks. The sweet fragrance of the abundant floral display makes this a must for the summer border...and is a hummingbird magnet. In our climate, many princess lilies die of heat stroke when they experience our summers, but not Alstroemeria 'Sweet Laura'. Once established, this Alstroemeria caryophyllaea hybrid spreads very slowly, unlike many of the more aggressive species. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
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.jpg "Agapanthus 'Ellamae' (Ellamae Lily-of-the-Nile)")
