Saturday, February 21, 2009

Eucharis grandiflora, Amazon Lily


Eucharis grandiflora 
Amazon Lily or Colombian Andes Lily

This is one evergreen bulb which thrives in heat and humidity though it can be a bit tricky to grow. At this time of year, and in Spring as well, it sends up a flower stem holding an umbel of pure white nodding very fragrant flowers .The broad deep green leaves are also attractive but are much loved by snails . If growing in the garden it does best in a compost rich soil in a semi shaded warm position amongst other semi tropical foliage plants. The safer bet is to grow it in a pot in a bush-house situation using a good quality potting mix with some gritty sharp sand and peat added. Growing in a pot makes it easier to induce flowering . Restricting water and allowing the pot to dry off for a few weeks followed by feeding with liquid manure helps to induce flowering . This process can be repeated if it still remains shy to flower. Like most bulbs it can be divided every few years if it becomes crowded in a pot. Care should be taken not to damage the fleshy thick roots during re-potting . The name Eucharis is from the Greek meaning graceful attraction.
2017 update: I am currently sold out but have plants available from time to time.

1 comment:

  1. I am so excited about see my lily bloom. I have had it for almost two years and I still have see it bloom.

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