Description
Japanese jacinth (Barnardia japonica; also known as Barnardia scilloides and Scilla scilloides) belongs to that special group of bulbs that bloom in late summer, like surprise lilies (Lycoris squamigera). I have read reports of its leaves appearing in spring and then disappearing before bloom time. Here in my Pennsylvania garden, that’s true of seedlings, but established clumps usually send up their leaves in late July to early August, followed quickly by leafless, upright stems topped with clusters of small, pink blooms. As new flowers continue to open through the month, the stems continue to elongate, eventually topping out at about 10 inches tall. The seeds mature in September to October, after the leaves die back. Full sun to light shade. Zones 6 (at least) to 9, reportedly. It may tolerate colder areas but isn’t widely grown, so there isn’t much data on its performance in those areas.
Collected in mid October 2022. At least 15 seeds.
Please read the germination information as well before ordering.
Julie Vance (verified owner) –