Overview
Ismene is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Ismene, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Ismene grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants. It is native to Ecuador and Peru.
About
Ismene is a tender, clump-forming perennial bulb from South America, known as the Peruvian Daffodil. It produces evergreen, elongated dark green leaves and trumpet-shaped, white or cream flowers with slender petals that emit a strong fragrance, especially in the evening. Suitable for full sun or partial shade in sheltered positions, it thrives in moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels. This cultivar is ideal for city gardens, patios, and informal settings, flowering in spring and summer, and requires planting at the correct depth with propagation by seed or bulb offsets.
About the genus
Ismene, or Peruvian daffodil, is a genus of South American plants in the Amaryllis family. The species are native to Peru and Ecuador and widely cultivated elsewhere as ornamentals because of their large, showy flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ismene (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ismene (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ismene
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Chalk, Clay, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1c
Plant details
Ismene size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Ecuador, Peru
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ismene
- Propagation
- Seed, Bulb offsets
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ismene?
Ismene prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ismene need?
Ismene is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, chalk, clay and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Ismene hardy in the UK?
Ismene has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Ismene?
Seed, Bulb offsets.