Ornithogalum candicans
summer hyacinth
Drakensberg mountains and eastern highveld grasslands of South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, Eastern Cape)
Overview
Ornithogalum candicans (syn. Galtonia candicans) is summer hyacinth (Cape hyacinth), a bulbous perennial growing 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) tall in flower and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Racemes of 15-30 white pendant bell-shaped lightly fragrant flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) on a tall leafless scape in summer (July-August) — the tall white raceme is a late-summer vertical accent when few other bulbs are in flower. Glaucous gray-green broad strap-shaped basal leaves 18-24 inches (45-60 cm), 4-6 per bulb. In the family Asparagaceae spp. (formerly Hyacinthaceae spp.). Formerly classified as Galtonia candicans — reclassified to Ornithogalum spp. based on molecular phylogenetics. The genus name means 'bird's milk' (Greek ornithos spp. + gala spp.). All Ornithogalum spp. species contain cardiac glycosides (convallatoxin) — toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Native to the Drakensberg mountains and eastern highveld grasslands of South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, Eastern Cape). Plant bulbs 6 inches (15 cm) deep in spring. Lift bulbs in fall in zones 4-5 (not reliably hardy); leave in ground in zones 6-10. Consistent moisture during the growing season. Non-toxic to humans. Full sun to partial shade. Zones 6-10. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to the Drakensberg mountains and eastern highveld grasslands of South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, Eastern Cape).Suggested Uses
Commonly planted among perennials and in borders in zones 6-10 where the tall white late-summer raceme rises above companion plants. Containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). Formerly Galtonia candicans. Toxic to pets (cardiac glycosides). Fragrant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Summer (July-August), lasting 3-4 weeks. Racemes of 15-30 white pendant fragrant bells on a tall scape. Late-summer vertical accent. Remove spent scapes at the base.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, pendant bell-shaped, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm), lightly fragrant; 15-30 per raceme on a tall leafless scapeFoliage Description
Glaucous gray-green, broad strap-shaped, basal, 18-24 inches (45-60 cm); 4-6 leaves per bulbGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade. Well-drained soil. Plant bulbs 6 inches (15 cm) deep in spring. Consistent moisture during the growing season. Lift bulbs in zones 4-5. Leave foliage until it yellows (feeds the bulb). All parts contain cardiac glycosides — toxic to pets. Zones 6-10.Pruning
Remove spent flower scapes at the base in late summer (August). Leave foliage until it yellows naturally in fall (October). Lift and store bulbs in zones 4-5 after foliage dies back.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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summerfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons