Perfumed Fairy Lily Chlidanthus fragrans
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- klid-AN-thus
- Description
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The genus Chlidanthus means 'delicate flower', while Fragrans refers to the flowers beautiful citrus-like scent.
A long-lasting fragrant cut flower that prefers well-drained soil and the leaves appear after flowering. Space bulbs 4-6 inches apart or one per 6-inch pot. Cover to 1 inch. With new bulbs keep the soil moist. As temperatures rise, continue watering to maintain moist soil, while providing good drainage. Too much water can cause the leaves to yellow. Once winter arrives, discontinue all watering.
Feeding should be done in the late spring as the plant begins to grow. When planting or potting, position the bulb so that the top of the bulb is approximately 1" below the soil line.
Division is the recommended method of propagation. Spring is the optimum season for division, relocating the offsets a few inches apart. Division can also be accomplished in the winter when the plant is in a dormant state. Patience is required when propagating. It can take up to 3 years for offsets to mature and 5 years for plants grown from seed.
Tender II- injured below 50 degrees F (10 degrees C). In locations that experience cooler/colder winter temperatures it is recommended that this plant go indoors in a bright sunny location.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Typically pest and disease free, slugs and snails can occasionally cause damage to this plant.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Chlidanthus
- Family:
- Amaryllidaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Bulb
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Peru to Bolivia
- Wildlife Value:
- Bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Colorful
- Fragrance
- Bulb Storage:
- Store bulbs dry at 50 degrees F (10 degrees C)
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Bulb
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Columnar
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Umbel
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Good Cut
- Long-lasting
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Tubular
- Flower Petals:
- 6 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- Tubular shaped flowers are 3-4" long. The citrus scented flowers appear along the stalk in small clusters of 3 to 4 flowers.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Sheath
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves appear after flowering, arising from the base. They are narrow and semi-upright.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- The stems are narrow and leafless. Appearing in early spring, they are covered with clusters of flowers.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Rabbits
