Hymenocallis narcissiflora

Peruvian Lily
Amaryllidaceae
Bulbs and bulblike plants, Perennials

HYMENOCALLIS

To picture this summer bloomer, imagine a cross between a belladonna lily (Ama­ryllis bella­­donna) and a daffodil. Like belladonna lily, it has strap-shaped, 2-ft.-long leaves and thick flower stems carrying several large, fragrant flowers—though leaves and flowers appear together in hymenocallis. Like daffodils, the flowers have two sets of segments: inner ones form a funnel, while outer ones are longer, spidery, and recurved.

Plant in rich, well-drained soil—in late fall or early winter in frostless areas, after frost danger is past in colder climates. Set bulbs with tips 1 in. below surface; space 1 ft. apart. Foliage keeps all summer if watered, dies in fall. Dig bulbs after leaves have yellowed (do not cut off fleshy roots), dry with roots facing up, and store in open trays in cool, dry, dark place.

Hymenocallis narcissiflora

From Peruvian Andes. This is the most commonly grown hymenocallis, with green-striped white flowers about 4 in. wide and held in clusters of two to five.

‘Advance’ has pure white flowers faintly lined with green in its throat.