Hymenocallis is a large genus, with species that come from the southeastern part of the United States, Mexico, Central America, and a few in South America. They are mostly from regions that get year-round rain, although the Mexican species are from drier habitats. I have quite a few species, some of which I have not been able to identify. Their lovely spidery flowers appear for me from June onwards.
To the left is H. eucharidifolia, with broad green leaves and substantial flowers. It is from Mexico, and grows about 12-18" tall. It is easy to grow, and can be treated as a houseplant given bright light indoors.
Here, below is a close up of the flower. I am growing these, and most of the moisture-loving species in plastic wading pools that I fill to about six inches with water, then allow to dry a little between refilling them.
Hymenocallis maximiliani, seen to the left, is a much larger plant, very suitable for the garden in warm climates, where it will form large clumps. It is from the Mexican state of Guerrero. The flowers are sweetly fragrant, and are produced freely throughout the summer.
There are much smaller versions of Hymenocallis.
H. palmeri, seen to the left, only grows a few inches tall. These bulbs are growing in a two gallon pot. The flowers, however, are very large, the petals (tepals) being green and spreading to about five or six inches. It is commonly known as the 'Alligator Lily', since it is from Florida and grows where alligators are found! I wouldn't want to try to collect this one.
Another large clumping Hymenocallis is H. littoralis, with elegant spidery flowers. It is seen here to the left, and comes from Mexico and Guatemala. It loves heat and moisture, and does well in my greenhouses.
H. harrisiana also comes from Mexico, where it grows in grasslands at elevations up to 6000' . While the species from Florida and the southeast like wet conditions, usually growing in swamplands or along slowly moving streams, those from Mexico prefer drier conditions. This is a medium sized plant, with very delicate fragrant flowers. It is seen here to the right.
H. sonorensis, comes, as you might imagine, from the Mexican state of Sonora. It has grey leaves that are only about six inches in height, with a flowering stem that is short. Again the flowers are large, and this species also prefers somewhat drier conditions. It is seen here to the left.
And last, but not least, is a tiny Hymenocallis that remains unidentified. It has grey narrow leaves and a rather unique profile, with the cup held above the tepals which are very narrow. Here it is to the left.
I have about twenty other species, some of which have not yet bloomed. These are lovely plants, not difficult to grow, with some suited for the garden, others as container plants, and some even suitable as houseplants. The leaves are attractive, and they are very trouble free as far as pests and disease are concerned.
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