PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open grassy areas with unobstructed morning sunlight, tolerates light dappled shade
Watering
Water moderately during active growth phases; allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry between waterings to prevent bulb rot
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; tolerates cool autumn temperatures, avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures exceeding 28°C during dormancy
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow linear basal leaves emerge post-flowering, dark green and grass-like
- Flower: Pale pink to white star-shaped blooms in loose racemes, six tepals per flower
- Bulb: Small ovoid underground bulb with papery outer tunic
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil slightly moist during leaf growth in early spring; avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot
Fertilization
Apply a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer once when leaves emerge. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowering
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush clean, dried eggshells into a fine powder; sprinkle lightly over the soil surface in early spring to boost soil calcium levels and improve drainage, avoiding direct contact with bulbsPruning
- Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to prevent unwanted self-seeding
- Trim yellowing foliage once it dies back naturally in late winter to maintain tidy growth
- Divide overcrowded bulb clumps in early spring to promote healthy flowering and reduce competition
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and irregular heart rate
Humans: Contains cardiac glycosides; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress, dizziness, and cardiac arrhythmias in severe cases
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental ground cover for rock gardens, wildflower meadows, and grassy borders
