Summer Hyacinth Plant Care
Ornithogalum candicans (Baker) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ornithogalum candicans, known as the summer hyacinth, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to moist grassland in South Africa. It is a bulbous perennial growing to 100–120 cm (39–47 in), with strap-shaped leaves and white snowdrop-like flowers in late summer.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Summer Hyacinth?
Water Summer Hyacinth every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Summer Hyacinth Native To?
What Is the Summer Hyacinth?
Summer Hyacinth (Ornithogalum candicans) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Ornithogalum genus. Summer Hyacinth is native to moist grassland in South Africa. Summer Hyacinth is also known as Chincherinchee.
Summer Hyacinth displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Summer Hyacinth produces star-shaped white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Summer Hyacinth?
Ornithogalum candicans requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Summer Hyacinth Need?
Summer Hyacinth thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Summer Hyacinth in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Summer Hyacinth Prefer?
Ornithogalum candicans grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Summer Hyacinth prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Summer Hyacinth?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Summer Hyacinth to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Summer Hyacinth?
Feed Summer Hyacinth every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Summer Hyacinth?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Summer Hyacinth?
Summer Hyacinth can be propagated through offsets, division of bulbs. Similar propagation techniques also apply to drooping star-of-bethlehem plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Summer Hyacinth Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to cats and dogs, may cause skin irritation in humans
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Summer Hyacinth?
Summer Hyacinth is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Summer Hyacinth Need?
Summer Hyacinth grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Summer Hyacinth is native to moist grassland in South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Summer Hyacinth as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Summer Hyacinth is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Ornithogalum genus — compare its care with other Ornithogalum species on PlantoScan.
Ornithogalum is part of the Asparagaceae plant family — browse all Asparagaceae genera and species.
Summer Hyacinth thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ornithogalum Species
Other Ornithogalum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ornithogalum candicans (Baker) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt, family Asparagaceae (first published in Edinburgh J. Bot. 60: 553 (2003 publ. 2004)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Summer Hyacinth is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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