Summer hyacinth (Galtonia candicans) gal-TOE-nee-ah KAN-dih-kanz Synonyms:  Hyacinthus candicans Genus:  Galtonia

A native of South Africa, summer hyacinth sends up spikes of lovely white flowers in late summer amidst dark green, strap-like foliage, when many other perennials are done blooming. The tall spikes are fragrant and especially dramatic planted with darker foliage or flowers.

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

Fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers, tinged with green, and strap-like foliage make this plant welcome in the late summer garden.

Care: 

Fertile, well-drained soil that is reliably moist in spring and summer. Full sun. Overwinter in a cool greenhouse or mulch deeply in areas with harsh winters.

Propagation: 

Sow seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, keeping the seedlings frost-free for the first 2 years. Offsets can be removed in spring.

Problems: 

Infrequent, but sometimes slugs and snails.

Overview

Height 3 ft. to 6 ft. Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun Only Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Fragrant Flowers, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Late Summer, Summer Flower Color White Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Suitable as Annual Style Cottage Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Bulbs