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Galtonia candicans

Also Known As

Ornithogalum candicans
Spire Lily
Summer Hyacinth

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 3'-6'
W: 1'-3'

planting zones

7a-10b

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Galtonia candicans plant details

Galtonia candicans is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun and even moisture water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Galtonia candicans

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: asparagaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 3 FT - wide, 3 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: clumping, fragrant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Galtonia candicans

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Galtonia candicans is an elegant summer-blooming bulb with spikes of fragrant, pendulous, downward-facing, bell-shaped, snowdrop-like flowers. The 3 foot stems are a distinctive presence in many UK gardens but not much seen in North America. Let's change that! Cut flowers will last 10-14 days. This species has now been moved into Ornithogalum which means 'bird's milk'. Although the root words are from Greek, "bird's milk" was a phrase frequently used by the Romans to indicate something wonderful which this bulb certainly is. Native to South Africa but widely adaptable.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

There are three species in this South African genus, this is the most prolific. They're all easy to grow. The 8-12" long 2" wide leaves produce a 24-36 " flower spike with many pendulous white flowers in mid Summer. Full sun to part shade seems fine. Self-sown seedlings make an attractive display over the years.

By: Sunshine Farm and Gardens

Now reclassified as Ornithogalum. This South African native has wintered over in our zone 6A garden for years. It's planted in a raised bed with good drainage, and we're sure that makes a huge difference. Our strain never gets more than 2' tall (some literature calls refer to 4' plants), and blooms in early summer with fragrant white bells.

By: Avant Gardens

A late blooming lily relation that sends up spikes of fragrant, white flowers in late summer when there are fewer bloomers about. Foliage is dark green and grass-like, increasing to form handsome clumps. These South African natives enjoy moist, well-drained and fertile soil in full sun -- though they have thrived (thriven?) for us in soil less well-drained than we would have thought necessary. Reliably frost hardy into upper USDA zone 7.