Ismene Festalis Sacred Lily Of The Incas - Trenton Cottage
Ismene Festalis Sacred Lily Of The Incas - Trenton Cottage
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Ismene Festalis – Sacred Lily Of The Incas

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Ismene festalis, also known as the Sacred Lily of the Incas, is a captivating bulbous perennial prized for its six-petaled, trumpet-shaped white blooms with delicately frilled edges and a striking yellow-green centre. Blooming in early summer, each stem bears up to three to five flowers, bringing tropical elegance to cooler regions and creating a lush, vibrant display in warmer climates. Ideal for garden beds, borders, or large containers, it flourishes in full sun to part shade with well-draining, organic-rich soil. The plant’s long, strappy green foliage adds lush texture, while its pollinator-friendly blooms attract bees, making Ismene festalis a showstopping yet low-maintenance addition to any garden.

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Description

What is Ismene festalis (Sacred Lily of the Incas)?

Ismene festalis, or Sacred Lily of the Incas, is a captivating bulbous perennial from the Amaryllidaceae family, native to the Andes in South America. Known for its intricate, trumpet-shaped white blooms with frilled edges and a striking yellow-green centre, Ismene festalis brings tropical charm to any garden. Left undisturbed, it forms lush clumps up to 1 meter wide over 3-4 years, adding texture and beauty to beds, borders, or containers. Its exotic appearance and low-maintenance nature make it a favourite for vibrant garden designs.

What to Expect from Ismene festalis Ismene festalis first produces its stunning blooms in early summer, with large, fragrant flowers creating an eye-catching display. Soon after, the long, strappy green foliage unfurls around the blooms, adding a lush, leafy base that enhances the plant’s tropical appeal. These showy flowers and rich foliage add visual depth and elegance to any garden space.

Garden Uses
Ideal for beds, borders, large containers, or pots, this plant serves as a lush tropical feature or cut flower. Thriving in organic-rich soil, Ismene festalis attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its ability to form dense clumps makes it an impressive focal point, particularly suited to structured and tropical-inspired landscapes. Its minimal care requirements make it versatile for gardeners of all skill levels.

Climate Suitability
Ismene Festalis is well-adapted to a range of climates, from cool to tropical. In frost-prone areas, providing frost protection is essential to preserve healthy growth and protect the bulbs during dormancy.

Planting Guide

  • Timing: Plant bulbs from late winter to early spring for optimal growth before summer flowering.
  • Soil and Position: Plant in full sun to part shade in well-draining, organic-rich soil. A few weeks before planting, enrich the soil with well-rotted manure, blood and bone, or balanced fertiliser. Position bulbs with the tip at soil level, spaced 25 cm apart for airflow and clumping.
  • Pot Planting: For pots, choose one at least 30 cm deep and wide with drainage holes. Use a quality potting mix with organic matter, place bulbs with the tip at the soil level, and water thoroughly.

Aftercare

  • Cool Climates: In areas with light frost, apply mulch over bulbs. For regions with heavy frost, lift bulbs at the season’s end and store them in a cool, dry place. Pot-grown bulbs can be moved indoors for added protection.
  • Warm and Tropical Climates: In warmer regions, Ismene festalis can remain undisturbed year-round, often staying evergreen through winter. Mulching helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
  • General Care: Remove spent flowers after blooming and clear away dead foliage during dormancy. Avoid disturbance, as Ismene festalis performs best when left in place.

Maintenance and Division
When left undisturbed for 3–4 years, Ismene Festalis will form dense clumps that may become overcrowded. To manage this, lift and divide the bulbs during dormancy. In frost-prone areas, allow bulbs to dry for a few days before winter storage and replant in spring. In milder climates where foliage stays green, replant immediately and keep the leaves attached.

Pests and Diseases
Generally resilient, Ismene festalis may occasionally attract aphids or spider mites in humid conditions, manageable with organic insecticidal sprays. Proper air circulation and well-draining soil help prevent fungal issues, especially in humid areas. Removing spent foliage reduces the likelihood of disease, ensuring Ismene festalis remains healthy year after year.

Toxicity
Ismene festalis contains alkaloids that are toxic if ingested, so exercise caution around pets and children. Although not typically a skin irritant, gloves are recommended for those with sensitive skin. Ismene festalis is safe to handle as an ornamental plant, providing a beautiful impact in the garden with appropriate care.

Supplied as dormant bulbs.

Additional information

Price Code

E – Green Pack
Botanical Name

Ismene festalis
Quanity in Pack

2 Bulbs
Flowering Time

Early Summer
Planting Time

Plant from August onwards
Growing Height

10-75 cm
Planting Depth

Plant 10 cm deep, positioning the tip of the bulb at soil level.
How to plant

To plant Ismene festalis, choose a sunny to part-shade position with well-draining, organic-rich soil. A few weeks before planting, enrich the planting area with well-rotted manure, blood and bone, or a balanced fertiliser to support healthy growth. Position the bulbs with the tip at soil level, spacing them about 25 cm apart for ample clumping. For container planting, select a pot at least 30 cm deep and wide with drainage holes, and use quality potting mix. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil, ensuring the bulbs receive consistent moisture as they establish.
Soil

Plant in well-draining, organically rich soil. A few weeks before planting, enrich the soil with well-rotted manure, blood and bone, or a balanced fertiliser.
Fertilise

Incorporate blood and bone or a complete fertiliser before planting. For potted Ismene festalis, fertilise annually in early spring as new growth begins, avoiding fertilising during its dormant period after the foliage dies down in late summer. Nutrients in potting soil deplete more quickly than in garden soil due to the limited volume and frequent watering, making regular feeding beneficial.
Watering

Ismene festalis requires consistent moisture during its active growing season in spring and early summer, watering thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. During summer flowering, regular watering helps sustain blooms. As Ismene festalis enters dormancy in late summer to autumn, gradually reduce watering and cease entirely by early autumn to allow the bulbs to rest. Allowing Ismene festalis a dry dormant period in autumn encourages regular summer blooming.

In mild, wet climates, protect dormant Ismene festalis from excess moisture to prevent bulb rot. For in-ground planting, ensure well-draining soil and consider planting on a slight slope or raised bed. A light layer of coarse mulch can help deflect excess water. For pots, use a well-draining potting mix and move containers to a sheltered spot in winter to keep soil dry.
Pruning

Ismene festalis requires minimal pruning. After flowering in summer, trim spent flower stalks at the base to redirect energy to the bulb. In cooler climates, allow the foliage to die back naturally in late summer to autumn, removing it only once fully yellowed and dried to support the bulb’s energy storage. However, in warmer climates, where the foliage remains evergreen, simply remove spent flowers and any damaged leaves as needed to maintain a tidy appearance.

When left undisturbed for 3–4 years, Ismene festalis forms dense clumps that may become overcrowded. To manage this, lift and divide the bulbs any time during their dormancy period, ideally from late autumn to winter. In frost-prone, cooler climates, bulbs can be lifted and divided after the foliage has fully died back; allow them to dry for a few days before storing for winter and replanting in spring. In warmer climates, where Ismene festalis can remain evergreen, you can divide and replant anytime during its dormancy.
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