James H. Schutte
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
Galtonia candicans
Plant Common Name
Cape Hyacinth , Summer Hyacinth
General Description
Admired for its delightful summer display of fragrant white flowers, this winter-dormant perennial bulb from eastern South Africa is also remarkable for its cold-hardiness.
The fleshy underground bulbs give rise to thick, light- to medium-green, strap- to lance-shaped basal leaves that are erect or arching. In mid to late summer, tall, steeple-shaped clusters of nodding, white, green-tinged bell-flowers are borne atop waist-high, leafless stalks. The flowers expand from green buds, with the lowest flowers opening first.
Plant this bulb shallowly in fertile, well-drained soil that is moist in spring and summer but drier in winter. Summer hyacinth does best in full sun. In areas with mild winters (USDA zones 7 and higher), it forms lush, floriferous clumps. Mulched plantings often over-winter in zones 5 and 6. In colder zones, dig bulbs in fall and store indoors, either bare-root or in pots. Bulbs may be repotted and started into growth in early spring, and planted out after danger of hard frost.
This pleasing summer bulb makes a striking and unusual accent for perennial borders and mixed plantings. It also works well in containers.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 10
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Sunset Zone
H1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
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Width
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
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Bloom Time
Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
South Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Summer
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Light Green
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
