Chlidanthus fragrans - Perfumed fairy lily

Chlidanthus fragrans is a charming but little-known South American bulbous plant, whose pleasantly fragrant yellow flowering somewhat resembles that of lilies or daffodils, which has earned it common names such as Peruvian lily, fragrant lily, or Peruvian daffodil. Its trumpet-shaped flowers appear in late spring, emerging from a small cluster of narrow leaves. The plant goes dormant in autumn and will spend the winter dry, protected from severe frost. Outside of our mildest regions, it is often grown in pots. It prefers light and well-drained substrate, in full sun.

Chlidanthus fragrans belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. It is related to narcissus and nerines, for example. This botanical species is native to the dry winters of the Chilean and Peruvian Andes. Its bulb perishes below -8 to -10°C (17.6 to 14°F) and rots in cold and humid soils during the winter. Vegetation starts in May. It takes the form of a greyish-green rosette of narrow and linear leaves, 20 to 40cm (8 to 16in) long, resembling those of narcissus. In June, it bears 25cm (10in) tall flower stems bearing an umbel composed of 2 to 5 erect flowers, 8cm (3in) in length. They emit a powerful scent with notes of citrus and lemon. Each flower has a long tube that widens into a star-shaped corolla with 5 bright yellow incurved petals. After pollination by insects, fruits in capsules containing seeds are formed. The foliage dries up in November, marking the plant's entry into dormancy, in dry soil.

In gardens spared by frost, Chlidanthus fragrans will settle in a rockery or a well-drained flower bed, in full sun. It can be combined with other small spring bulbs, such as botanical tulips and narcissus, crocus or ipheions. Elsewhere, it is perfectly possible to dig up the bulbs at the end of summer, as is commonly done with gladioli, and replant them after winter. This small bulbous plant is perfect for creating large pots for patios and balconies. Place them on a windowsill or table to enjoy the delicate fragrance of the flowers. The pots can overwinter in a cool, dry room.