Ismene x festalis

Ismene x festalis, the Peruvian Daffodil, is a cross between Ismene narcissiflora from which it inherits its vigourous resilient nature and Ismene longipetala, from which it inherits its elongated petals. It was first hybridised sometime around 1900 by Arthington Worsley, (1861-1944) civil engineer, plantsman, co-founder of the International Bulb Society and winner - in 1937 - of the IBS's Herbert Medal. Both the parent species are from the Andes and although relatively cold-tolerant Ismene x festalis is not generally considered hardy for all parts of the British Isles and should be lifted in the Autumn and stored overwinter for planting out in early Spring. Often sold in the UK as the closely-related Hymenocallis, the flowers do superficially resemble Hymenocallis littoralis but differ in their frilled/fringed corona, their green throat and the sheath-like pseudostem from which their flower stalks arise.

They are gorgeous plants, probably the easiest of the Spider Lilies to grow and are extremly rewarding with their exquisite, fragrant and ultra-exotic floral display. They like moist, warm locations in either full sun or partial shade. They form many offsets and can be divided every year when they are lifted.

Highly recommended.