Ammocharis coranica, commonly known as the Karoo lily or sore-eye flower, is a flowering plant and geophyte that belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae and is native to South Africa where it occurs in all the provinces. It is also native to Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Ground lily has moderate disease resistance but is more sensitive to moisture. It is vulnerable to disease when humidity is high and can develop root rot during dormancy. Regarding care, Ground lily tolerates drought but requires more water during the growing season. Watering should be greatly reduced or stopped entirely during the dormant period. Ground lily is appropriate for growers with some experience, though it can be difficult to maintain, particularly during dormancy. It is especially suited to people who can devote time to its care during the winter months.
How to keep Ammocharis Coranica.
Light
Originating from arid areas, Ground lily does best in full sun, since its native habitat is marked by strong sunlight and minimal shade. It can also tolerate partial sun, providing some flexibility in its growth.
Temperature
Although Ground lily can tolerate some heat, it mainly performs best and grows during the cooler seasons and becomes dormant in summer. In hot summer weather, it should be shaded to avoid leaf scorching from intense sun. Irrigation should be reduced or paused in the hottest period to prevent root rot. Winter and spring are when Ground lily grows most vigorously. If temperatures do not fall too low, it will continue to grow steadily.
Fertilizer
Ground lily requires only light fertilizer applications once or twice a year during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter or in summer when it is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying any. Fertilizing helps sustain healthy growth and promotes blooms.
Pruning
The ground lily is a bulbous perennial plant celebrated for its striking blooms and broad leaves. To promote healthy growth and enhance air circulation, which helps reduce the risk of disease, it is advisable to prune the plant in early spring to remove any dead foliage. Regularly trimming spent flowers encourages more blooms and helps maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb, Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Ammocharis
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 40 cm to 76 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Pink, White
- Flower Size
- 7.62 cm to 10.16 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall
- Native Area
- Lesotho, South Africa, Namibia, Eswatini, Botswana, Zimbabwe
