How to Grow Pardancanda Plants

Guide to Growing Candy Lily

Pardancanda are hardy perennials that reach from 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) in height. This makes them ideal for use in garden borders.

Pardancanda bloom in the summer and carry saucer shaped flowers.

Pardancanda norrisii
Candylily × Pardancanda norrisii by John Brandauer.

Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Pardancanda. Candy Lily.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
Height: 24 to 36 inches (60—90 cm).
Native: China.
Growing Region: Zones 5 to 10.

Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: Lily-like. Saucer shaped. Produces numerous bright colors from the same clump; pink, orange, red, yellow. Often freckled.
Fruit: Small black berries that look great in flower arrangements.

Foliage: Sword-shaped.
Sow Outside: Seeds: Cover seed. Early spring, or early autumn.
Sow Inside: Mix seeds in a moist growing medium, place in a freezer bag, then stratify by refrigeration for one week. Germination time: two weeks. Temperature: 70 to 85°F (21—29°C). Ten weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors before the last frost or in autumn. Spacing 12 inches (30 cm).

Requirements and care: Full sunlight. Grows well in most soil, but can become tall and require staking in rich soils. Moist soil. Regular watering during dry periods. Cut back to the ground in autumn. Light winter mulch in cold areas. Propagate: by dividing in the spring. Unlikely to stay true from seed.

How to Grow Pardancanda

Pardancanda can be grown outdoors either from roots or seeds and should be sown in either early spring or early autumn.

Bury the roots at about 5 to 7 cm (~2 inches). The pardancanda seeds can be sown on the surface.

Ideally the Pardancanda plant should be grown in a sunny part of the garden, that has a moist soil.

If starting off Pardancanda in a green house, then do so about ten weeks in advance.

First the Pardancanda seeds should be imbibed by placing the seeds (within soil) in a black bag. Next, place in the fridge for one week. Seeds should then be put out at a temperature of 21 to 30 Celsius (70 to 86°F). They normally take about two weeks to germinate.

Seedlings should be transplanted into the garden. This can be done either at the end of autumn, or before the last frost of spring.

Caring for Pardancanda

It is easy to look after Pardancanda, they enjoy a moist soil so water regularly.

Once the season is over in autumn, cut the plant back to the ground. If you require more Pardancanda then propagate by division in the spring.

Common Questions

How many members does the Pardancanda genus contain?

The Pardancanda genus is monotypic, containg a single species, the Candy Lily.

Do Pardancanda members make for a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, the Candy lily is a delightful choice for gardens and landscapes due to its striking, multi-colored flowers.

Which Pardancanda species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The only grown species is Pardancanda norrisii, the candy lily. Hybrids are available that display vibrant colors.

Are Pardancanda plants fragrant?

Pardancanda plants do not typically have a strong fragrance.

What is the perfect location to grow Pardancanda?

Candy lilies prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. They tolerate heat and humidity well.

Is Pardancanda invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

At present, Pardancanda is not considered an invasive species in the USA.

How do I remove Pardancanda plants from my garden?

To remove candy lilies, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring all root material is removed to prevent re-emergence.

Summary

The Pardancanda genus, also known as candy lilies, belongs to the Iridaceae family. The plants in this genus are known for their striking flowers, which bear a resemblance to both irises and lilies, as reflected in their common name.

For successful growth, Pardancanda requires a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It's generally recommended to plant them in spring. They make excellent additions to flower beds and borders due to their unique and vibrant blooms.

I hope that you found this guide on how to grow grow Pardancanda plants in your garden. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Veronica plant, and Washingtonia robusta plants.