You could plant these summer flowering bulbs in the garden in spring, or in a large planter. Pots of course being handier for storing in winter. Do avoid late frosts. Plant in a hole 2x as deep as the size of the bulb - so a 5 cm bulb goes in a 10 cm deep hole. Planting distance for the Sprekelia formosissima is approx. 15 cm. Chlidanthus fragrans can be closer together. Fork the soil loose and plant roots down. Fill the hole with soil. These bulbs very much prefer a clay soil mixed with sand - use this in pots too.
 

Plant these mixed bulbs in a decorative planter

These bulbs are best planted in pots in a warm, sheltered spot, in adequately draining soil. Planted together in a large planter will be a spectacular result. The more the merrier!
During the formation of flower stems and buds, potted Sprekelia formosissima must not be turned or they are liable to drop off! Just leave the pot standing where it is...
 

Water regularly throughout the summer. In the summer as long as the leaves are still visible we recommend regularly adding plant food when watering to encourage rich flowering of both varieties this year and next. Stop feeding when the leaves begin to dry out.
Water sparingly from August when the leaves are dying back. The bulbs can be left in the same spot for years to naturalise and only need to be transplanted when absolutely necessary.
In winter soil that is too wet will not be tolerated. The plants die back in the winter while the bulbs are hibernating.
 

Keeping Sprekelia and Chlidanthus over the winter

These bulbs are easy to keep over the winter. They're not actually hardy but can withstand quite some cold, as long as the soil drains well. Reduce watering in autumn when the leaves die back and before the onset of winter store the potted bulbs in a frost-free area before it gets too cold. Don't let the compost dry out completely.
Gradually increase watering again in the spring as it warms up and you see the flower stems appearing. Now's the time to start fertilising regularly using a plant food for flowering plants. Once there is no longer the chance of frost the pots can be moved back outdoors onto your patio to be enjoyed for another season!

Jacobean lilies (Sprekelia formosissima) originated in Mexico, which is wht they are often referred to as Aztec lilies. Chlidanthus fragrans (Fairy lilies) are very special summer flowers in yellow - they originated in Peru. Fragrans means fragrance. Their lemony scent increases as dusk falls.

Both Chlidanthus and Sprekelia are classified under the amaryllis family (Amarylidaceae).