bulb corm tuber

Ground Lily

Ammocharis coranica

The Story

Plant Bio

Ammocharis coranica is a bulbous perennial known for its striking pink flowers that bloom in late summer.

This species is notable for its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types, including clay and sandy soils.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesAdds an exotic flair to gardens with its striking flowers and unique foliage.
Practical UsesDrought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering once established.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like bees and butterflies during flowering.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

12 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southern Africa

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late summer – Early fall

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
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S
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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck corms 2 inches deep into well-draining soil in full sun.
  2. Water sparingly until new shoots appear, then maintain moderate moisture.
  3. Mist cuttings with water to encourage root development.
  4. Plant in early spring after the last frost for best growth.
  5. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during active growth.
  6. Divide corms every 3-4 years to promote healthy growth.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent rot and promote healthy corm development.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during growing season 🌱
  • Provide full sun for optimal flowering
  • Apply balanced fertilizer monthly
  • Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Don't

  • Overwater, especially in winter ❌
  • Plant in poorly drained soil
  • Ignore pests and diseases
  • Use high nitrogen fertilizer which can cause leggy growth

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Lift Store
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tropical border with lush foliageDrought-tolerant garden accentExotic container display

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ground Lily questions

What zones can Ground Lily grow in?

Ground Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Ground Lily deer resistant?

Yes — Ground Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Ground Lily bloom?

Ground Lily typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Ground Lily need full sun?

Ground Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Ground Lily drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Ground Lily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Hardy in your zone?

Grow Ground Lily with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.