BBC Gardeners' World

Plant details

• Common Name: Galtonia
• Genus: Galtonia
• Species: candicans
• Skill Level: experienced
• Exposure: full sun
• Hardiness: tender
• Soil type: chalky/alkaline, sandy, well-drained/light
• Height: 1.2m
• Spread: 0.38m
• Time to divide plants: March to May

This is often called the Summer Hyacinth (it was once called Hyacinthus candicans), although it is not so fragrant and much more impressive when grown in bold groups either on their own or tucked among large herbaceous plants in a border. These handsome and stately flowers come from South Africa, and need a warm sunny position. The secret of success is to plant the large bulbs very deeply and leave them undisturbed, just covering them for winter protection, but they may also be lifted like gladioli or kept in large pots for patio display.