Pocket BotanistGuía de plantas
Cape Hyacinth.
Ornithogalum thyrsoides
Pronunciación or-nih-THOG-uh-lum thir-SOY-deez
También se conoce como African Wonder Flower, Cape-lily, Chincherinchee, Christmas-lily, Common Chincherinchee, Common Chink, Port Lincoln-lily, Wonder Flower
The Cape Hyacinth is a charming bulbous plant native to South Africa that produces dense spikes of star shaped flowers. It is a wonderful addition to sunny borders or containers where it can show off its bright white or creamy blooms. These plants prefer a well drained spot to thrive throughout their growing season.
De un vistazo
- Care level
- Moderate
- Plant type
- Bulbous perennial
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Indoor light
- bright-indirect
- Water
- Every 5 to 10 days
- Mature size
- 45 cm tall
- Growth rate
- medium
- Hardiness
- USDA 8 to 10
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
Cuidados
Plant your bulbs in well draining soil to prevent rot during their dormant period. Keep the soil consistently moist while the plant is actively growing and flowering. Watch for yellowing leaves as the plant enters dormancy, which is a natural part of its cycle.
- Watering
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the active growing season.
- Feeding
- Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing phase.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to encourage bulb energy storage.
- Repotting
- Repot only when the bulbs become too crowded in their container.
- Soil
- Sandy, well drained soil
- Soil pH
- Neutral to slightly acidic
- Temperature
- 5 to 25°C
- Humidity
- 40 to 60%
- Drought tolerance
- moderate
- Lifespan
- Perennial bulb, typically 3 to 5 years with proper care.
- Fragrance
- light
- Deer and rabbits
- moderate
Señales de que necesita trasplante
- Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
- Bulbs becoming crowded and pushing each other out of the soil.
- Noticeable decline in flower production.
Seguridad
- People
- The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals and cardiac glycosides that are poisonous to humans and pets.
- Pets
- This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
- Children
- Keep this plant away from children as the bulbs are easily mistaken for onions and are highly toxic.
- Contact allergens
- Handling the bulbs or sap can cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
- Airborne allergens
- There are no significant reports of airborne respiratory allergens for this species.
- Edibility
- All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress.
Cómo identificarla
- Dense spikes of star shaped flowers
- Bright white or creamy white petals
- Basal rosette of strap shaped leaves
- Bulbous perennial growth habit
- Height
- 0.3 to 0.45m
- Spread
- 0.15 to 0.2m
- Leaves
- green, deciduous
- Flowers
- white, cream, 2 to 4cm
Problemas frecuentes
- Bulb rot — Fungal decay caused by overly wet or poorly draining soil conditions.
- Aphids — Small insects that cluster on flower buds and suck plant sap.
Cómo cultivarla
- Propagation
- division, seed
- When to plant
- autumn
- Overwintering
- In cold regions, dig up the bulbs after the foliage yellows and store them in a cool, dry place until spring. Ensure they are kept in a breathable medium like peat moss.
- In containers
- It grows very well in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is at least 6 inches deep.
Bulb offsets
- Carefully lift the bulb clumps after the foliage has died back.
- Gently separate the small bulblets from the parent bulb.
- Replant the offsets in well draining soil at the appropriate depth.
Group these bulbs with low growing groundcovers that can hide the foliage as it dies back after flowering.
Buenas compañeras
- Freesia — They share similar moisture and light requirements for spring displays.
- Bluebell — They provide a nice color contrast when planted in mixed bulb beds.
Mantenla lejos de
- Hostas — Hostas prefer more shade and moisture than this sun loving bulb.
Especies parecidas
- Star of Bethlehem — It is a close relative with a similar star shaped flower structure.
Ciencia
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Genus
- Ornithogalum
- Order
- Asparagales
- Class
- Liliopsida
- Native range
- South Africa, specifically the Cape region.
- Conservation
- This species is not currently listed as threatened or endangered in its native range.
It grows in sandy, well drained soils and relies on seasonal rains for its growth cycle.
- Value to wildlife
- early season nectar source
- Pollinators
- bees, beetles
- Uses
- cut flower, container planting, rock garden, border accent
A lo largo del año
Indicadores ecológicos
- Salinity
- 2/9
- Soil reaction
- 6/9
- Light
- 7/9
- Temperature
- 6/9
- Moisture
- 4/9
- Nutrients
- 5/9
Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.
Lo que más preguntan
- Does it need full sun?
- Yes, it thrives best in full sun to light shade.
- Is it hardy?
- It is not frost hardy and requires protection in cold climates.
De dónde viene el nombre
The genus name Ornithogalum is derived from the Greek words ornithos, meaning bird, and gala, meaning milk. The specific epithet thyrsoides refers to the thyrse, or cluster, shape of the flower head.
Bueno saberlo
- It is a popular choice for wedding bouquets due to its long vase life.
- The flowers can remain fresh for up to 3 weeks after being cut.
- It is native to the Cape region of South Africa.
- The genus name comes from the Greek words for bird and milk.
¿Tu cape hyacinth tiene mal aspecto?
Esta página es una guía general. Pocket Botanist diagnostica problemas a partir de una foto de tu propia planta, calcula el riego según tu luz y tus condiciones, y te avisa cuando toca cuidarla.
Esta guía se ha generado con IA y se ha cotejado con la taxonomía de GBIF. Es información general, no asesoramiento botánico ni veterinario. Descubre cómo elaboramos estas guías.