Eucharis - Amazon Lily

(Eu'charis)

DESCRIPTION: These tropical, evergreen bulbs are natives of Columbia. They have dark green leaves that are about 6 inches wide. They bloom in spring, summer or autumn; fragrant, white flowers are produced in groups of three to six atop a sturdy stalk that averages 18 inches in height. A minimum winter temperature of 60 degrees is necessary for these lovely plants.

POTTING: The best soil mixture to use for these plants is a combination of two parts fibrous loam, one part peat or leaf mold and one part of well-decayed manure and sand. Repotting, if necessary, is done after the bulbs have finished blooming. Six bulbs are enough for a 10-inch pot. Eucharis may also be planted in a well-drained bed of the compost advised. Water is given liberally to established plants throughout the summer and liquid fertilizer is applied once or twice a week when the flower stems are developing. The soil is kept fairly dry from October to April.

PROPAGATION: The offsets or small bulbs may be detached and potted when repotting Eucharis.

VARIETIES: E. grandiflora (amazonica) (the Amazon Lily); E. candida; E. Sanderi; E. Mastersii.

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