Galtonia

Cape Hyacinth, in Latin Galtonia, are summer bulb plants native to South Africa whose flowering somewhat resembles that of giant lilies of the valley.

The genus Galtonia, of the Asparagaceae family, only has 4 species. The most well-known are Galtonia candicans, appreciated for its white and fragrant flowers, and Galtonia viridiflora, with green flowers. From a vigorous erect clump of linear leaves emerge tall flowering stems that can reach a height of 1.50 m (5ft) depending on the species, adorned with 20 to 30 pendulous bell-shaped flowers in white, cream-yellow, or even green, from June to September depending on the varieties.

Although quite hardy (down to -15°C (5°F) in dry soil), it is preferable not to leave Cape Hyacinth bulbs in the ground during winter as they don't like excessive moisture. Galtonia should be planted in spring, in a sunny and sheltered spot, in fertile, moist, and well-drained soil, preferably with an acidic tendency. It is a superb plant in a sunny flowerbed that also has a great effect when planted in isolated clumps in a lawn.