African Blood Lily is a striking bulbous perennial native to tropical and subtropical South Africa, prized for its dramatic crimson flower heads that bloom reliably in summer. The common name comes from the distinctive blood-red stains that mark its flattened white bulbs, a characteristic as memorable as the plant itself. Hardy in zones 9-11, this amaryllis family member reaches 12-24 inches tall and produces spirals of bright green foliage crowned by showy blooms from June through July. In cooler climates, it can be grown indoors over winter and moved outside after the last frost, making it accessible even to gardeners in harsh climates.
Partial Sun
Moderate
9-11
24in H x 18in W
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High
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Each bulb generates 6-7 luminous green leaves up to 15 inches long, arranged in a distinctive spiral that sets it apart from its close relatives in the amaryllis family. The flower head itself is a riot of red stamens packed into a dense, showy sphere that commands attention in any garden. Beyond the blooms, the plant produces equally ornamental fruit, extending the visual interest well into the season. Low maintenance and unfussy once established, it thrives in full sun to partial shade with moderate water and minimal fussing.
African Blood Lily is grown exclusively as an ornamental for its architectural foliage and electrifying flower display. The red blooms bring drama to summer borders, containers, and indoor arrangements. In warm climates, it serves as a specimen plant or focal point in mixed beds; in cooler regions, it thrives as a container plant that can be brought indoors before frost.
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Plant bulbs outdoors directly in the garden in spring after the last frost date. Space bulbs 9-18 inches apart (matching the mature width) in soil amended with organic matter.
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“Scadoxus multiflorus hails from the tropical and subtropical regions of South Africa, where it grows naturally in woodland and grassland habitats. The genus Scadoxus belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family, the same diverse group that includes amaryllis and daffodils. The plant's journey to gardens worldwide reflects the Victorian era's passion for exotic bulbs, though it remains less common than many of its relatives, making it a rewarding discovery for collectors seeking something beyond the ordinary.”