Hymenocallis is a group of tender bulbs that are natives of tropical America, Peru, Africa and the
United States. Hymenocallis means "beautiful membrane" which refers to the corona that
connects the stalks of the stamens for a portion of their length.
Their attractive, showy flowers resemble both daffodils and lilies, so their common names reference
both of these flowers. Some common names include: Spider Lily, Basket lily, Ismene, Peruvian
daffodil, Sea daffodil and Summer daffodil.
Ismene X festalis syn. Hymenocallis X festalis is a cross of the Mexican H. narcissiflora
with H. longipetala.
The large pure white, ivory or yellow flowers of the Peruvian daffodils are noteworthy both for
their intricate design and fragrance. These strongly scented 4-inch flowers are borne atop 2-foot,
leafless flower stalks in midsummer. Each stem may hold 2 to 5 flowers, which are white with green
stripes and lovely spiralling, recurved petals around a central cone.
The terminal umbels of fragrant flowers resemble spidery daffodils, each with 6 narrow petals and
a large cup with projecting stamens. The arching petals are delicate and slender and the filaments
are attached by a fine, web-like tissue into a cup-shape.
The lush, glossy green amaryllis-like foliage forms a dramatic clump that multiplies well when
kept moist (boggy sites are best). The leaves are basal, strap-shaped or oblong, and mid to dark
green. Depending upon the species, it may be deciduous or evergreen.
Peruvian daffodils are only hardy in zones 8 to 10, but they can easily be grown outside this
range if the bulbs are dug and stored in a frost-free location over winter. They do very well
grown in pots and containers, if the soil is kept moist and fed monthly with a slow-release
fertilizer from spring to fall. Do not move the plants outdoors until night temperatures average
above 60°F.
When frost threatens in the fall, dig up the bulbs carefully leaving soil around the roots and put
them in a well-ventilated shady place on their sides until the leaves wither. Cut off the leaves
and store the bulbs upside down over winter in dry peat moss or vermiculite at 60-70°F
(16-21°C).
Bulbs are somewhat poisonous if eaten (low toxicity), symptoms include nausea, vomiting,
and diarrhea.
