Ismene x festalis

A hybrid between I. narcissiflora and I. longipetala both of which derive from the Andes and were crossed around 1900. by Arthington Worsley, a famous horticulturalist and civil engineer. They are not quite hardy enough to leave in the garden overwinter so if planted out will need lifting in all but he most sheltered gardens. They grow well in big pots kept rather dry in the winter when they will be dormant. In growth they have broad green leaves and very fragrant and exotic looking white flowers with long twisted pennants fringing the flower. Big bulbs.

Planting Instructions

Plants of sandy situations in the sun. They do not flower well unless they get the sun and get warm. They are pretty drought tolerant but do ensure they get enough moisture when the flower stem emerges when growth is rapid. Dry them off in the autumn to induce winter dormancy. With this in mind they are probably best grown in a large pot - one or two bulbs in a pot 10-12” across the top, planted about 3” 10 cm deep.

Plant Details

Flowers   Early summer

Height      24" (60cm)