Ammocharis coranica
(Karoo Lily)
Origin: Native of South Africa
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Light: Full sun
Height: 6-18"
Spacing: 9-18"
Blooms: Fragrant, pale pink, late Spring
Foliage: Herbaceous, blue-green, smooth, parallel, blunt ends
Soil: Well-drained, acidic, neutral, alkaline, drought tolerant
Water: Low
Uses: Xeriscaping, foliage, perennial border, hummingbird garden, butterfly garden, container
Propagation: Seeds (Sow ASAP), bulb divisions, offsets
Caution: Bulb is poisonous - do not eat
Comments: Ammocharis coranica or Karoo Lily is a perennial bulbous plant with a low, clumping growth habit. It is a native of South Africa. In late Spring, Ammocharis coranica produces fragrant, unique pale pink blossoms at about four years of age, usually after a heavy rainfall. This is followed later by seeds. Bees, hummingbirds and butterflies are magnetized by its nectar-rich flowers. Karoo Lily has green, smooth, strappy foliage. It is easily propagated from seeds or bulb divisions and thrives best in well-drained, acidic, neutral or alkaline soil in a sunny location. Ammocharis coranica seeds have short shelf life and have to be sown as soon as possible. It tolerates drought conditions. To prevent bulb rot, do not overwater. Mass plant Karoo Lily in perennial borders for a delightful display. It can also be container cultivated. Ammocharis coranica is low maintenance forms a nice clump. Ammocharis coranica has attractive parallel blue-green leaves and it makes a lovely foliage plant in the absence of its blossoms. Interestingly, it self-cleave the ends of its own foliage as it goes into dormancy. In colder areas, Ammocharis coranica bulbs have to be dug up and store in peat moss in a cool, dry place.
USDA Zones: 7b-11
JennysGarden.com...Plant information, plant images and
growing conditions of Ammocharis coranica (Karoo Lily) growing in Jenny's Garden
Image of butterfly and hummingbird agttractor, Ammocharis coranica or Karoo Lily coming soon...
Seeds/bulb inquiries: jen@JennysGarden.com
