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Galtonia candicans (Summer hyacinth, Spire lily)

Galtonia candicans Photo/Illustration: Brent Heath



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Galtonia candicans gal-TOE-nee-ah KAN-dih-kanz Common Name: Summer hyacinth, Spire lily Synonyms: Hyacinthus candicans Genus: Galtonia
A native of South Africa, summer hyacinth sends up spikes of lovely white flowers in late summer amidst dark green, strap-like foliage, when many other perennials are done blooming. The tall spikes are fragrant and especially dramatic planted with darker foliage or flowers.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers, tinged with green, and strap-like foliage make this plant welcome in the late summer garden.
 Care: Fertile, well-drained soil that is reliably moist in spring and summer. Full sun. Overwinter in a cool greenhouse or mulch deeply in areas with harsh winters.
 Propagation: Sow seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, keeping the seedlings frost-free for the first 2 years. Offsets can be removed in spring.
 Problems: Infrequent, but sometimes slugs and snails.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Fragrant Flowers; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Late Summer; Summer
Flower Color White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Suitable as Annual
Style Cottage Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest
Type Bulbs,Perennials

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