Overview
Galtonia princeps is a bulbous perennial in the genus Galtonia, part of the Q157167 family. Galtonia princeps grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers and cut flowers. It is native to South Africa.
About
Galtonia princeps is a bulbous perennial that produces fragrant summer flowers in July to August. Native to South Africa, it suits full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It tolerates neutral to slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soils and is rated H5 (hardy) for UK conditions. Use it in borders, containers or as a source of cut flowers.
About the genus
Galtonia is a genus of plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae. Native to Southern Africa, the genus is named after Sir Francis Galton. According to some authorities it has been subsumed into Ornithogalum as a subgenus, while others prefer to keep it as a separate genus.
Wikipedia contributors, "Galtonia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Galtonia
In the garden
Galtonia princeps, commonly called summer hyacinth, is a bulbous perennial from South Africa that flowers in July to August and is noted for its fragrance. The plant is grown for its summer-scented blooms and is often allowed a sunny or lightly shaded position so flowers develop reliably at mid-summer. Give it full sun or partial shade in a fertile, well-drained soil that remains moist but not waterlogged; the species tolerates neutral through slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. In the UK it is rated H5 (hardy), so it will survive typical winter conditions in most gardens, though a sheltered spot or a protective mulch in exposed sites can reduce winter stress. Keep soil evenly moist while foliage is active to support flower formation. It suits the middle or rear of a mixed border, planted in containers on a sunny patio, or grown specifically for cutting. Because the blooms are fragrant and appear in July to August, stems make good summer vase flowers and can be planned into borders to provide scent at that precise time of year.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Galtonia
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic, slightly alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Galtonia princeps size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- bulbous perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, containers, cut flowers
- Native to
- South Africa
- Fragrance
- fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Galtonia princeps
- Cultivation
- Plant bulbs in autumn at a depth of about 10-15 cm; prefers sheltered spots; mulch in winter in colder areas.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower spikes to encourage bulb energy storage; cut back foliage after it yellows.
- Propagation
- By offsets or seed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Galtonia princeps?
Plant bulbs in autumn at a depth of about 10-15 cm; prefers sheltered spots; mulch in winter in colder areas.
Where is the best place to plant Galtonia princeps?
Galtonia princeps prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Galtonia princeps need?
Galtonia princeps grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Galtonia princeps?
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage bulb energy storage; cut back foliage after it yellows.
Is Galtonia princeps hardy in the UK?
Galtonia princeps has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Galtonia princeps?
By offsets or seed.
