spear lily

In frost-prone areas, grow outside in full sun only in summer, and overwinter in a cool greenhouse in full light, in containers in loam-based potting compost such as John Innes No. 2; in the growing season, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthl, but keep just moist in winter. In frost-free areas, grow in humus-rich, well-drained soil in sun, with plenty of water in the growing season, but keep dry in winter as mature plants may withstand several degrees of frost if kept dry

No pruning required

Propagate by seed sown at 10-13°C in spring, by division of mature bulbils, which are occasionally produced on flower stems, or by division, removing suckers which are produced after flowering

Generally pest-free

Generally disease-free