Water deeply and regularly during active growth, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Increase irrigation during extreme summer heat; reduce in winter, especially for dormant plants.
Clump-forming perennial with arching, straplike leaves and showy, lily-shaped flowers. Heat-tolerant cultivars perform best in Phoenix with afternoon shade and regular irrigation.
Toxic to cats (can cause fatal kidney failure); non-toxic to dogs and humans
Care Instructions
Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade; avoid intense reflected heat and hot western exposures. Aim for 4–6 hours of direct morning sun for good flowering.
Water: Water deeply and regularly during active growth, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Increase irrigation during extreme summer heat; reduce in winter, especially for dormant plants.
Soil: Well-drained soil amended with compost. Tolerates varied soil textures but struggles in poorly drained clay; mulch to conserve moisture, keeping mulch away from crowns.
Mature size: Usually 1–3 feet tall and 1–3 feet wide; flower stalks may reach 4 feet, depending on cultivar.
Bloom: Typically spring through early summer in Phoenix; reblooming cultivars may flower again into fall. Each flower lasts one day, but multiple buds provide weeks of bloom.
Evergreen / deciduous: Deciduous, semi-evergreen, or evergreen depending on cultivar and weather; extreme heat can cause foliage decline.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast with adequate moisture and suitable temperatures.