[Overview]
A perennial with a poisonous bulb underground.
The leaves are basal, flat and long and narrow, and appear at the same time as flowering or after flowering.
A long cylindrical flower stalk extends from the bulb, bearing an umbel at its tip with several flowers.
The flowers are funnel-shaped with 6 petals, and the stamens and pistil protrude long.
The fruit is a capsule.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by dividing bulbs.
It can be left planted for several years.
It prefers sunny soil that is well drained, moisture-retentive and well aerated.
It dislikes excess moisture.
During dormancy, when it has no leaves, it is better in shade and on the dry side, so for plants in the ground, it is good to plant it under deciduous trees or among summer grasses.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries from the time the flower stalks appear until before dormancy, and during dormancy water only enough that the soil does not dry out completely.
For plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
Apply a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium after flowering.
When the flowers are over, snap them off at the neck of the flower.
There are no particular pests or diseases, but soft rot may occur if conditions become too moist.
[Notes]
The licorice used for medicine and confectionery is a plant of the legume family.
