To thrive, I require a very specific home. Please plant my bulb in a location that receives full sunlight; I need at least six hours of direct sun daily to produce my strong flower stalks and build up energy for the next season. The most critical factor for my survival is soil drainage. I absolutely despise wet feet, especially during my dormant period in winter. Plant me in a raised bed, on a slope, or amend heavy clay soil with generous amounts of grit, sharp sand, or gravel. A sandy, free-draining loam that is rich in organic matter is my ideal environment. A slightly alkaline to neutral pH is preferred.
When you welcome me into your garden, timing and placement are key. The best time to plant my bulb is in late summer or early autumn, just as I am ending my dormancy. Please note that I look a bit different from other bulbs; my long neck should be left exposed and just barely covered with soil. The top of my bulb's nose should be right at the soil surface. If I am planted too deeply, I may refuse to flower. Space my bulbs about 8 inches apart to give us room to multiply and form a beautiful clump over time. This shallow planting allows the sun to warm my base, which encourages flowering.
My watering needs change dramatically with the seasons. I need moisture in the late summer and autumn when I am actively growing and flowering. Water me regularly during this period if rainfall is scarce. However, once my flowers and foliage die back in late autumn, I require a completely dry winter dormancy. Excessive winter moisture is the single greatest threat to my life, as it will cause my bulb to rot. In spring, my strappy, green foliage will emerge again. Water me during this growth period, but taper off as summer arrives and my leaves begin to yellow and die back. Feed me with a balanced, liquid fertilizer as my flower stalk emerges in late summer and again after flowering to help rebuild the bulb.
I am a low-maintenance plant once established. The most important care you can provide is to leave me undisturbed. I deeply resent being moved and will often refuse to flower for a year or two after being divided. Only divide my clumps if flowering has significantly decreased, and even then, do it reluctantly in the autumn after I have finished blooming. Gently separate the offsets from the mother bulb and replant them immediately at the proper depth. My foliage is crucial for gathering energy, so allow it to die back naturally. Do not cut it off while it is still green. In colder regions (USDA zones 6-7), a thick layer of mulch applied after the ground freezes can help protect me from extreme temperature fluctuations.
