Growing Ornithogalum saundersiae (Giant Chincherinchee)

Pronunciation: or-ni-thog'-al-um

In midsummer, impressive clusters of creamy white, starry blossoms stand on 3-ft stems above rosettes of blunt leaves. The plants, which multiply rapidly and are good cut flowers, bring new energy to borders and terrace containers.

Light/Watering: Full sun or partial shade. Water thoroughly after planting and give a new plant a good soaking once a week during summer, unless rainfall is plentiful (more than 1in per week). Decrease water after flowering and as the leaves die down. During winter dormancy, dry soil is best.

Fertilizer/Soil and pH: Well-drained soil. We recommend against fertilizing at planting time and during the first growing season in your garden. Plants need time to settle in before being pushed to grow. Most established plants grow best if fertilized with a light hand. We fertilize perennials just once--in early spring--with a light but even coverage of a balanced, granular fertilizer (such 10-10-10 or an organic fertilizer). If a concentrated, water-soluble fertilizer is used, please follow the manufacturers' recommendations carefully.

Continuing Care: Bulbs should be planted in spring for summer flowering. Where plants are not hardy (Zone 6 and colder), lift the bulbs in fall and store them in a frost-free place.