PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun exposure required for robust blooming; tolerates partial shade in warm temperate regions
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent bulb rot
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; requires 12–16 weeks of cold stratification for spring blooming; avoid prolonged temperatures above 20°C during summer dormancy
Characteristics
- Leaf: Grey-green, linear to lanceolate leaves, up to 20 cm long, arranged in basal rosettes
- Flower: Large, cup-shaped blooms that open flat like waterlilies; petals are usually pale pink, yellow, or white with darker bases
- Bulb: Brown papery tunic covering the underground storage bulb
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; reduce watering as foliage begins to yellow
Fertilization
Apply balanced granular fertilizer when shoots first emerge. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote bulb health and flowering
Banana peel compost tea：Fully compost banana peels before use; dilute 1:20 with water for root drenching; apply only during active spring growth to support bloom developmentPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms promptly to prevent seed formation and conserve bulb energy
- Allow foliage to die back naturally before trimming to ensure nutrients are stored in the bulb for next year's growth
- Remove fully browned foliage to reduce the risk of fungal overwintering
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; bulb ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and abdominal pain
Humans: Bulb ingestion causes mild gastrointestinal upset; foliage and flowers have minimal risk
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes perfect love and the arrival of spring; a popular early-spring ornamental bulb
Usage: Ornamental garden plant; cut flower for spring floral arrangements
