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Genus Galtonia (Summer hyacinth)

Galtonia Galtonia candicans Photo/Illustration: Brent Heath
Common Name: Summer hyacinth
Galtonia is a genus of bulbous perennials from moist grasslands in South Africa. These plants are grown for their spikes of pendent or nodding, tubular to trumpet-shaped green or white flowers, which rise above basal, fleshy, lance-shaped leaves.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Flowers in late summer. Good in a sunny border.
 Care: Galtonia need fertile, well-drained soil that is reliably moist from spring to summer. Lift and pot up in late autumn and overwinter in a cool greenhouse, or protect in the garden with a deep mulch, in areas with harsh winters.
 Propagation: Sow seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as they are ripe, keeping the seedlings frost-free for the first 2 years. Offsets can be removed in spring.
 Problems: Generally trouble-free.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Galtonia

Galtonia candicans Galtonia candicans
(Summer hyacinth, Spire lily) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

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.