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Nectaroscordum siculum

Image of Nectaroscordum siculum

Jessie Keith

Family

Liliaceae

Botanical Name

Nectaroscordum siculum

Plant Common Name

Sicilian Honey Lily

General Description

A hardy bulbous perennial grown for its subtly beautiful late-spring flowers, this garlic-scented onion relative is native from France to Turkey.

Flattened, spherical bulbs give rise in spring to lax clumps of grassy gray-green leaves that smell like garlic when bruised. The leaves wither in early summer. Graceful clusters of nodding pink and greenish-white bell-flowers are borne atop tall leafless stalks in late spring. The flowers are followed by ornamental tan seed capsules which are held erect. Plants may self-sow, sometimes liberally.

Plant the bulbs 2 to 4 inches deep in fall, in full to part sun and fertile well drained soil. Sicilian honey garlic makes a wonderful accent in the mixed border. The flowers and seed heads are good for cutting.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    10 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 10

  • Sunset Zone

    2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Bulb or Corm or Tuber

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    30"-48" / 76.2cm - 121.9cm

  • Width

    6"-8" / 15.2cm - 20.3cm

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring

  • Native To

    Southern Europe, Turkey

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Green, Pink, Rose, Plum

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Multi-Color

  • Fruit Color

    Tan, Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Light Green, Gray Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    Yes

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Dried Flower / Everlasting, Container, Cutflower, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No