PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun exposure with at least 6 hours of direct daily sunlight to support consistent blooming; avoid shaded locations
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot and fungal growth
Temperature
Thrives in 15–25°C; tolerates light frost down to 5°C but requires protection from hard freezes during dormancy
Characteristics
- Leaf: Linear, sword-shaped, blue-green, arranged in flat fan-like basal clusters
- Flower: Ruffled, funnel-shaped blooms in pink, purple, white, or yellow, borne on dense upright spikes
- Stem: Erect, unbranched, hollow, supporting the terminal flower spike
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth and blooming to support flower development
Fertilization
Apply balanced granular fertilizer at planting; side-dress once when flower spikes emerge. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to prioritize bulb development over excessive foliage growth
Eggshell powder top-dress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 teaspoon per bulb at planting or mid-growth to boost soil calcium levels without introducing excess nitrogenPruning
- Remove spent blooms promptly to redirect energy to bulb development instead of seed production
- Cut back yellowing foliage to 5 cm above soil level after it dies back naturally in late summer
- Trim damaged or diseased leaves immediately to prevent the spread of fungal pathogens
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains alkaloids that cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort
Humans: Contains alkaloids that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if large amounts are ingested
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Associated with strength, integrity, and remembrance in Mediterranean folk traditions
Usage: Ornamental cut flower, garden border accent, container ornamental
