Galtonia Growing Guide

What is Galtonia?

Galtonia (Galtonia candicans) is also known as the Summer Hyacinth or Berg Lily and is a bulbous perennial. It is part of the Liliaceae family and is native to South Africa. Galtonia is a Summer flowering bulb that has fleshy, dark grey green strappy leaves with flower spikes that have white bell shaped flowers. Each spike has up to 30 individual fragrant flowers. When planting Galtonia choose a position that receives full sun, has well draining soil and does not receive heavy frosts. They thrive better in warmer areas and produce better flowers when left undisturbed for years.

Benefits of Growing Galtonia

Galtonia is a very easy to grow bulb that can be left undisturbed for years. It is great in garden beds, borders, under planting shrubs and roses, as a ground cover or in pots and containers. The flowers attract birds like Honey eaters. Fragrant white flowers provide a real highlight to an early Spring garden. Galtonia flowers are also great for floral arrangements as fresh cut flowers.

How to Grow Galtonia

Galtonia Summer Hyacinth

Climatic Zones

Cool to temperate.

Plant Size

Height: 1.5-2m, Width: 40cm

When To Plant Galtonia

Plant in Winter to Spring.

Soil Preparation

Galtonia prefer a well drained, particularly in Winter when dormant. Before planting mix through well broken down animal manure.

How To Plant Galtonia

Plant in full sun, 20cm apart with the bulb at a depth of 10cm under the soil surface. 

Galtonia Plant Care

They need to be kept moist throughout the growing period but not water logged or bulbs will rot. When the the foliage begins to die back allow it to dry as the bulb becomes dormant.

Fertilise annually in late Winter in preparation for the new growing season.

Galtonia enjoy being undisturbed for many years. Leave the bulbs for 4 – 5 years and they will flower well. You will need to divide them after 5 years to prevent overcrowding, earlier if they stop flowering. When lifting is required, dig the bulbs in early Winter and ensure bulbs are dried quickly. Keep in a dry, cool and airy location and replant in late Winter. The bulbs are relatively frost tolerant but in areas of extreme frosts, it is beneficial to dig the bulbs once dormant and store until replanting slightly later in early spring after the last frost.

Watch out for snails and slugs as they can be a problem.