Oxblood Lily is a stunning South American bulb that earns its dramatic name from its deep crimson flowers, which bloom reliably in late summer when many gardens are fading. Native to Uruguay and northeastern Argentina, this Rhodophiala species thrives in Zones 7-10 and reaches just 9-12 inches tall, making it compact enough for containers yet showy enough to anchor a border. The upright flower stalks hold 3-6 funnel-shaped blooms in rich reds, pinks, or rarely white, each flower stretching about 2 inches long with an outward-facing presence that commands attention. In colder climates, gardeners successfully overwinter it indoors under bright light, adding flexibility to its already low-maintenance nature.
Partial Sun
Moderate
7-11
12in H x 36in W
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Moderate
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The oxblood lily's narrow, linear leaves emerge after bloom, and mature plants spread through offsets to form substantial 2-3 foot wide clumps over time. Dark brown to black bulbs, each reaching 1-1.5 inches wide, produce those signature deep red trumpet flowers with unfailing reliability. Hardy enough to go dormant in summer without fussing, yet adaptable enough to move indoors when frost threatens, this bulb rewards patient gardeners with years of August color.
Oxblood lily is primarily grown as an ornamental, prized for its late-summer floral display when many bulbs have already finished their show. The deep crimson blooms make exceptional cut flowers, adding dramatic color to late-season arrangements. In containers, it performs reliably, and in garden beds, the gradually expanding clumps create bold focal points through the quieter weeks of August.
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Plant oxblood lily bulbs directly in the garden in evenly moist, well-draining sandy loam in full sun to partial shade during the dormant season. Space bulbs to allow for 2-3 foot spread at maturity.
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“Rhodophiala bifida originates from the temperate regions of Uruguay and northeastern Argentina, where it evolved to thrive in the mild, moist conditions of South American summers. The specific cultivar 'Carmencita' carries that regional heritage into contemporary gardens, bridging the horticultural traditions of the Southern Hemisphere with wider cultivation in temperate zones worldwide.”