Galtonia candicans (Summer Hyacinth)

Native to South Africa, Galtonia candicans (Summer Hyacinth) is a welcomed addition to the late summer garden. Fragrant, this bulbous perennial sends up spikes of charming, pendant, bell-shaped white flowers, often tinged with green, and reminiscent of gladiolus. Each spike may bear up to 30 flowers and rises elegantly atop the dark green, strap-like, fleshy foliage, at a time when many other perennials are done blooming. Its colors are at their loveliest next to blue flowering plants such as Agapanthus or the fiery scarlet red flowers of Crocosmia.

• Awarded the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grows in clumps up to 2-4 ft tall (60-120 cm) and 2-3 ft wide (60-90 cm).
• Easily grown in humus-rich, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade. Consistent moisture is to be provided from spring to summer.
• Stunning in beds, borders, underplanting shrubs or roses, as ground covers, or in containers. Great in floral arrangements thanks to the quality of its fresh cut flowers too.
• Perfect for rock gardens, cottage gardens, or city gardens.
• Virtually pest and disease free
• Propagate by seed, sowing them in containers in a cold frame when ripe, or remove offsets in early spring
• If you live in a cool area (hardiness 6 and below) and you want to save your bulbs for next spring, you may dig them up before the first frost and store them over winter before replanting them next spring.