Galtonia candicans, also known as the summer hyacinth, isn’t well known by most home gardeners. But this stunning South African flower is beloved by everyone who does know it.
Topped with striking clusters of white flowers and offering a sweet scent, Galtonia candicans blooms in the late summer. It can be the perfect finale in a summer garden.
There is even better news—these breathtaking perennials are hardy and don’t require much care!
In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about caring for Galtonia candicans.
Where Does Galtonia Candicans Come From?
Galtonia candicans originated in the moist, fertile grasslands of South Africa.
These flowers evolved and were eventually cultivated along the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Kwazulu/Natal, Mpumalanga, and throughout the region.
While its official name is Galtonia candicans, this beautiful flower has many names.
These include:
- Ornithogalum candicans
- Berg lily
- Spire lily
- Summer hyacinth
- Cape hyacinth
- Cape lily
Galtonia candicans is a bulbous perennial flower that can grow from 39″ to 47″ inches tall.
Their leaves are shaped like thin green straps. By summer’s end, this plant boasts remarkable white flowers.
These blossoms resemble great snowdrops and shine at a time of year when most perennials have finished blooming.
Because of its striking appearance and ease of care, Galtonia candicans has been awarded the U.K. Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Quick Facts On Galtonia Candicans
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: Room temperature; 60° to 65° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering
- Fertilizer: Apply fertilizer weekly during the growing season.
- Propagation: Seed
- Common Problems: Aphid infestations, root and flower rot
Galtonia Candicans Care
How Big Do Ornithogalum Candicans Grow?
The summer hyacinth achieves its mature height in 2 to 5 years. In that time, it can reach anywhere from 38″ to 47″ inches, with some capable of getting a bit taller.
They can grow about 1 ½’ feet wide.
When Does Ornithogalum Candicans Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Galtonia candicans flowers during the mid-to-late summer. This perennial’s grayish-green quickly becomes overshadowed by its striking white conical racemes.
These blooms are delicately fragrant, bell-shaped flowers that narrowly extend to about 5 cm. Darker shrubs often surround the plant to highlight its blooms.
Galtonia is known for its strong, sweet fragrance that fills the garden. This is most noticeable when the clustered flowers reach their fullest bloom in late summer.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
The summer hyacinth enjoys full sun. The plant enjoys room temperature but usually begins to sprout once the environment is consistently 60° to 65° degrees Fahrenheit.
Cold, harsh winters can spell disaster for Galtonia candicans. Ensure to overwinter it in a cool, dry place or with sufficient protection from the elements.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Ornithogalum Candicans?
Ornithogalum Candicans prefer to remain steady but not overly moist. Water it lightly every few days to keep the soil damp.
Don’t waterlog the plant. This increases the risk of fungus and root rot and can also attract pests.
What Is The Best Soil For Galtonia Candicans And When Should You Transplant?
Galtonia candicans enjoy fertile soil. Therefore, its bed should drain well but stay moist throughout the spring and summer.
You should move your summer hyacinth indoors if local winters tend to be overly cold and harsh.
However, these plants overwinter in containers in a cool, dry place with no complaint.
You can also choose to add a deep layer of winter mulch should you leave your plants outdoors.
Does Galtonia Candicans Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Galtonia candicans doesn’t require any pruning or special grooming and maintenance.
How To Propagate Summer Hyacinth?
You can propagate your summer hyacinth by seed. Simply sow seeds in pots in a cold frame once ripe. You can also remove offsets in early spring for easy propagation.
Cape Lily Pests And Diseases
The cape lily is typically pest and disease-free. However, slugs and snails can pose occasional problems.
Aphids are also sometimes attracted to the leaves and can eat holes in the foliage, causing leaves to turn yellow and wither.
You can protect your cape lilies against pests by applying insecticide on a semiregular basis.
A good insecticide can be as simple as dish soap and water in a spray bottle. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for insects to grip onto leaves.
Regarding diseases, the biggest threat to Galtonia candicans are:
- Mold
- Fungus
This is also relatively easy to avoid and comes down to keeping the plant moist, not overly wet.
If you notice signs of fungus on your flowers, one or two applications of commercial fungicide should correct it.
Is The Galtonia Candicans Plant Considered Poisonous To Humans Or Animals?
If you have pets at home, you can feel safe planting Galtonia candicans in your garden. These perennials are non-toxic to dogs, cats, and humans.
While they aren’t very tasty or nutritious, cape lilies won’t hurt your furry friend or, as the case may be, your toddler if they put it in their mouth.
Is The Galtonia Candicans Plant Considered Invasive?
Generally, Galtonia candicans isn’t considered invasive. Though like perennials, they will bloom again and again, they don’t tend to spread quickly beyond where they are planted.
Suggested Uses For Cape Hyacinth Flowers
Cape hyacinths are exquisite focal points in a cottage and informal gardens. They can really pop as flower borders or take center stage in a full bed.
The white clusters of flowers and the sweet scent are the perfect choice for any yard or garden.