Eucharis lily (Eucharis x grandiflora) also known as ‘Amazon lily’, is a graceful bulb that produces fragrant white flowers similar in shape to daffodils. It is a member of the Amaryllis family and was originally collected along the Rio Magdalena River.This low bulbous plant has broad, glossy green basal leaves and glistening white trumpet-shaped fragrant flowers which are borne in clusters of 3-6 blooms on a 60cm tall fleshy stalk.
How to Grow a Eucharis Lily:
The eucharis lily is an evergreen bulb and does best in a warm sheltered spot which receives dappled shade, or morning sun and afternoon shade in fact, similar surrounds to where it originated, so in warmer climates this lily makes an elegant addition to a shady corner. They make excellent container plants so gardeners in colder climates can perhaps grow them indoors. Flowers can be cut (if you can bring yourself to) and have a long vase life.
Conditions:
The Eucharis lily prefers bright indirect light or semi-shade. Water liberally from spring to autumn however, water moderately in the winter. The Eucharis lily is a tropical plant enjoying moist-warm conditions. It does not like cold nights, so a minimum of 5 degrees is about as cold as they will tolerate. Sponge leaves occasionally during dry weather to increase air humidity. Repot in spring every 3-4 years or as needed.
Improve your soil by adding plenty of organic matter like aged manures and compost. The soil also needs to be free draining so for clay soils add some eco-flo gypsum to improve drainage. If growing in a pot choose a decent sized pot so you won’t have to repot each year (they don’t like being disturbed) and use a premium quality potting mix. Plant the bulb and water in with eco-seaweed to get it off to a great start.
To propagate:
Detach offsets or bulblets from mature plants in summer, keep warm and water sparingly until growth starts.
Growing Eucharis lilies
While the name Eucharis lily relates to Easter flowering it can actually be a bit of a lottery with flowering occurring anytime from autumn through to spring. It depends largely on the amount of water received and how warm the plant stays during winter months. If you’ve had yours for a couple of years and it isn’t flowering then cut back watering early autumn or spring to induce some drought stress. Also consider moving to a brighter spot (but not into hot sunlight).
Fertilising and Maintenance of Eucharis Lily
Pests and Diseases of Eucharis Lily:
- Snails and slugs love to chew holes in the leaves. If you spot their telltale slimy trails go searching for them at night or after rain and squash or feed to the chooks.
- Lily caterpillars can also do damage quickly. Pluck them off by hand or spray plants with eco-neem.
- Aphids, mites and mealybug may also appear but can be controlled with eco-oil or eco-neem.
I have done some research to find a reliable source for bulbs. John from Pine Mountain Nursery says they have them available but from time to time take them off to rebuild numbers.
