Galtonia candicans, known as Summer Hyacinth, is a tall bulbous perennial valued for its elegant spikes of nodding white bell-shaped flowers. The blooms appear in late summer and add height and movement to sunny borders.

Each stem carries a long conical cluster of slightly fragrant flowers that hang gracefully above clumps of greyish-green foliage.

• Height: 90–120cm
• Spread: 30–45cm
• Flower colour: white
• Flowering time: late summer
• Position: full sun or light shade
• Soil: fertile, well-drained soil

About Galtonia candicans

Galtonia candicans grows from bulbs and forms clumps of narrow lance-shaped greyish-green leaves at ground level.

From these leaves rise tall stems carrying racemes of nodding bell-shaped flowers. Each flower can reach around 5cm long and hangs delicately from the stem.

The soft fragrance and graceful shape make this plant a useful addition to late-summer borders.

Common names include:

• Summer hyacinth
• Berg lily
• Spire lily

Benefits for UK Wildlife

Galtonia candicans contributes to a wildlife-friendly garden.

• Flowers can attract pollinating insects
• Provides late summer nectar sources
• Adds structure and diversity to wildlife borders

Plant alongside other late-flowering plants to support insects later in the season.

Where to Grow Summer Hyacinth

• Sunny or lightly shaded borders
• Mixed perennial beds
• Wildlife-friendly gardens
• Cottage garden planting
• Large patio containers

The tall flower spikes look particularly effective when planted in groups.

Planting Tips

• Plant bulbs in spring.
• Choose a sunny or lightly shaded location.
• Plant bulbs about 10–15cm deep.
• Space bulbs 25–30cm apart.
• Use fertile soil with good drainage.
• Water during dry spells while plants grow.

Leave bulbs in place once established so clumps can gradually increase in size.

Why Grow Galtonia candicans

• Tall elegant spikes of white bell-shaped flowers
• Slightly fragrant late summer blooms
• Adds height and structure to borders
• Suitable for cottage and wildlife gardens
• Reliable perennial from bulbs

If you want a tall late-summer flowering bulb, Galtonia candicans brings graceful white flowers and vertical structure to sunny garden borders.