About
Galtonia candicans, the summer hyacinth, is a perennial with narrowly lance-shaped, greyish-green leaves and conical racemes of slightly perfumed, nodding, narrowly bell-shaped white flowers to 5 cm long in late summer. One of the finest late-summer bulbs, excellent in mixed borders and large containers.
About the genus
Galtonia are bulbous perennials with erect, strap-shaped leaves and tall, erect stems carrying cone-shaped terminal racemes of nodding, bell-shaped white or green flowers in late summer. Bold and elegant late-season border plants, excellent in large containers and mixed plantings.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toSouth Africa, Lesotho
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil that is reliably moist from spring to summer. In colder areas either lift and overwinter in a container in a cool dry site or protect with a deep winter mulch
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame when ripe or remove offsets in early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free