PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; prefers morning sun with afternoon shade in hot, arid regions to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting bulbs sit in standing water to prevent rot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; requires cold stratification during winter dormancy to trigger spring blooming
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow lanceolate leaves arranged in whorls along the stem; glossy medium green
- Flower: Recurved orange petals with dark purple spots; nodding trumpet-shaped blooms
- Stem: Slender, upright green stem with fine, soft hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth; apply a 2-inch mulch layer to retain moisture
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer when new shoots emerge. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can promote foliage over blooms
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 3 days, dilute 1:20 with water for root drench; discard solid debris to prevent odor and pest issuesPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms promptly to redirect energy to bulb growth instead of seed production
- Cut back foliage only after it turns completely yellow and dies back naturally to allow nutrients to return to the bulb
- Remove damaged or diseased stems immediately to prevent the spread of fungal pathogens
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Highly toxic; ingestion of any plant part can cause acute kidney failure and potentially death
Humans: Ingestion may cause mild oral irritation, nausea, or diarrhea; contact with sap rarely causes skin irritation
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes renewal and wild beauty in some Pacific Northwest Indigenous cultures
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; long-lasting cut flower for floral arrangements
