Cape Hyacinth (Galtonia candicans)

Cape Hyacinth: Summer's Elegant White Spires

The Cape Hyacinth (Galtonia candicans), also called Summer Hyacinth or Berg Lily, is a stately bulbous perennial from South Africa. In mid to late summer, it sends up impressive 3-4 foot spikes bearing 20-30 pendent, bell-shaped, fragrant white flowers with green-tipped petals. The basal rosette of long, strap-shaped, glossy green leaves is attractive all season.

Late Summer Vertical Accent

Plant bulbs in spring (after frost in cold zones) in rich, well-drained soil, full sun. Water regularly during growth. In zones 6 and colder, lift bulbs in autumn and store dry, or mulch heavily. It provides a rare vertical white accent in the summer border when few other bulbs bloom. The fragrance is sweet, especially in evening.

Taxonomy

• Family: Hyacinthaceae
• Genus: Galtonia
• Species: candicans