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Delicate Lily

Chlidanthus (klid-AN-thus)

Family: Amaryllidaceae Unknown Herbaceous

The genus Chlidanthus means 'delicate flower', while Fragrans refers to the flowers beautiful citrus-like scent. A long-lasting fragrant cut flower that prefers well-drained soil and the leaves appear after flowering. Space bulbs 4-6 inches apart or one per 6-inch pot. Cover to 1 inch. With new bulbs keep the soil moist. As temperatures rise, continue watering to maintain moist soil, while providing good drainage. Too much water can cause the leaves to yellow. Once winter arrives, discontinue all watering. Feeding should be done in the late spring as the plant begins to grow. When planting or potting, position the bulb so that the top of the bulb is approximately 1" below the soil line. Division is the recommended method of propagation. Spring is the optimum season for division, relocating the offsets a few inches apart. Division can also be accomplished in the winter when the plant is in a dormant state. Patience is required when propagating. It can take up to 3 years for offsets to mature and 5 years for plants grown from seed. Tender II- injured below 50 degrees F (10 degrees C). In locations that experience cooler/colder winter temperatures it is recommended that this plant go indoors in a bright sunny location. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Typically pest and disease free, slugs and snails can occasionally cause damage to this plant.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 50 attributes.

How it fits the guild

Guild layer 4 - Herbaceous Optimal soil pH Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
See companions & conflicts ↓

Companions & Conflicts

Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.

No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.

Also noted by NC State

Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.

Often confused with Narcissus

Full plant profile

Growing Conditions
Plant type
Bulb; Herbaceous Perennial
Life cycle
Bulb
USDA zones
9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
Light
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Loam (Silt)
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
Less than 12 inches
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Columnar; Erect
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Gray/Silver; Green
Leaf type
Sheath
Leaf shape
Lanceolate
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Leaves appear after flowering, arising from the base. They are narrow and semi-upright.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow
Flower value
Fragrant; Good Cut; Long-lasting
Flower form
Umbel
Flower shape
Tubular
Flower size
3-6 inches
Flower detail
Tubular shaped flowers are 3-4" long. The citrus scented flowers appear along the stalk in small clusters of 3 to 4 flowers.
Bloom time
Spring
Stem color
Green
Stem detail
The stems are narrow and leafless. Appearing in early spring, they are covered with clusters of flowers.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Peru to Bolivia
Wildlife value
Bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers.
Attracts
Bees; Butterflies
Play value
Attractive Flowers; Attracts Pollinators; Colorful; Fragrance
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Patio; Walkways
Landscape theme
Cottage Garden; Cutting Garden; Pollinator Garden; Rock Garden
Design feature
Border; Mass Planting; Small groups
Garden tags
#bulb #vibrant #deer resistant #yellow flowers #summer flowers #summer bulbs #border planting #potted #rabbit resistant #tender perennial #tender bulb #deciduous #tropical #container plant #fragrant flowers #frost tender #cutting garden #tropical bulb
Problems & Resistance
Insect problems
Slugs & Snails on Ornamental Plants; Slugs and Snails Found on Flowers and Foliage
Resistant to
Deer; Rabbits
Propagation
Division; Seed

Planted at Hunnicutt

Nobody’s planted this one yet.