Pancratium

Pancratium is a genus estimated at between 15-20 species (depending on your source), which is spread from the Canary Islands and Africa to the far East. Pancratium is related to Hymenocallis but is distinct in several ways.

Most Pancratium are tender in all of the United Kingdom, with the probable exception of Pancratium illyricum, which is hardy in most situations. There is also the chance that Pancratium maritimum will persist and vegetate if planted deeply, in a very sandy soil, in a warm, south-facing site.

In warmer areas they will do well in a sandy hot site which dries out in the summer. Their deeply searching roots will find enough water to keep them going whilst the bulbs sit warm and dry until autumn. All can be grown in pots (which is ideal for the smaller species) kept frost-free in winter and stood out, in light shade, in Spring. Most are dormant over the summer.

Pancratium are all white flowered and bear very fragrant blooms in groups at the top of their stems, usually in the summer and autumn, when their glorious perfume will fill the air on a warm summer evening.

Available for ordering from both our Autumn and Spring lists.