Leucocoryne

Popular name: Glory of the Sun

Original habitat: Chile

Flower colour: From pure white to purple

Flowering period: Late spring or early summer

Plant height: 50 centimetres

Planting depth: 2.5 to 4 centimetres

Planting distance: More commonly planted in pots

Type of bulb: Small bulbs up to 5 centimetres in diameter

Light requirements: Thrive best in full sun

The plant’s name is derived from the Greek words leukos meaning "white" and koryne meaning "club" referring to the infertile anthers. They can be compared somewhat to freesias.

Applications:

This plant’s flower is not only beautiful to look at but also has a pleasant fragrance. They can tolerate a touch of frost but must be mulched in the event of any harder frost. In these cooler regions, it is better to plant the bulbs in pots that can be kept in a cool sun lounge during the winter. The Leucocoryne has a fairly long flowering period – much longer than the more familiar spring-flowering bulbs. This makes them perfect for use as cut flowers.

Planting tips:

It is better not to transplant the bulbs, at least not until after the second or third year. It is advisable, however, to replace the upper layer of soil in the pot with well-draining soil at the end of the season. Various species:

Although there are 12 known species, substantial information is available for only 9 of them.

Leucocoryne ixioides, the most familiar species and also the easiest one to cultivate, was introduced in 1826. Its height ranges from 25 to 50 centimetres, and its leaves are narrow, grassy, and grow to a length of 30 centimetres. Flower colour varies but is always between white and blue-purple. The stamens are white.

Leucocoryne coquimbensis: Its grassy foliage, growing up to 25 centimetres in length, covers the lower part of the plant. Its pleasantly scented flowers, numbering about 10 per umbel, are carried on stems about 30 centimetres tall. Flower colour ranges from pale blue and violet to deep purple. The stamens are yellow and the centre of the flower is green. The flowers are in bloom for several (6 to 8) weeks.

Leucocoryne macropetala

Leucocoryne purpurea

Leucocoryne alliacea

Leucocoryne angustipetala

Leucocoryne appendiculata

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Leucocoryne