I have started to go back through my gardening journals. I began gardening more than 29 years ago and I have experimented with a lot of plants and conditions. I would like to start sharing what I have found to be go to plants for my gardens. Plants I both like the look of and have found to thrive in my Minnesota yard conditions.

The Candy Lily (Pardancanda Norrisii)  is one of my favorite perennials for Minnesota.  It has also been called a Toad Lily. It is winter hardy and comes back year after year. It is long flowering, nice looking, low maintenance, and easy to propagate. It offers a wide range of flower color combinations on tall iris-like plants. It grows to be approximately 36″ tall.  The flowers are small half-dollar size in colors of yellow orange and red all on the same plant. The flowers produce seed pods that can then be planted to propagate more. It is semi-shade tolerant but also thrives in full sun. Spacing plants 24″ apart is recommended but I prefer tighter plantings.

Candy Lily (Pardancanda norrisii) adds vibrant charm to gardens, thriving in well-drained soil and full sunlight. Ideal for borders or mixed flower beds, plant them where they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Their slender, iris-like foliage complements various garden companions. Ensure soil with good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions. These hardy perennials bring bursts of color in mid to late summer, harmonizing well with other sun-loving plants. Consider their height and vibrant blooms when placing them strategically for an eye-catching display, elevating the aesthetics of your garden with their unique and delightful presence.

Candy Lily (Pardancanda norrisii) exhibits self-seeding tendencies through its prolific production of seeds within its unique seed pods. As flowers fade, they develop seed pods that eventually burst open, scattering seeds in the vicinity. This natural dispersal mechanism contributes to the plant’s ability to reseed itself, creating delightful surprises and new blooms in subsequent growing seasons.

Hardiness Zones

Candy Lily is generally hardy in USDA Zones 5-9. It thrives in moderate climates but may benefit from protection in colder zones. Mulch it and rely on reseeding in MN.

Steps to Help Candy Lily Thrive

1. Sunlight
   • Plant Candy Lily in a location that receives full to partial sunlight. These plants perform best with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
2. Well-Drained Soil
   • Ensure well-drained soil. Sandy or loamy soils are suitable. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
3. Planting
   • Plant rhizomes in the spring after the last frost. Space plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper growth.
4. Watering
   • Provide regular watering, especially during dry spells. However, Candy Lily is somewhat drought-tolerant once established.
5. Mulching
   • Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
6. Fertilizing
   • Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in spring as new growth emerges. Follow package instructions for application rates.
7. Deadheading (let some go to seed for next year)
   • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a neat appearance.
8. Dividing
   • Divide overcrowded clumps every 2-3 years in the spring. Lift the rhizomes, divide them, and replant.
9. Winter Care
   • In colder zones, provide a layer of mulch in late fall to protect the rhizomes from winter cold.
10. Pest and Disease Control
    • Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and caterpillars. Treat any issues promptly. Candy Lily is generally resistant to diseases.

By following these steps, you can enhance the health and vigor of your Candy Lily, ensuring it thrives and adds a burst of color to your garden throughout the growing season. Adjust care based on your specific growing conditions and local climate.

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