Create Your Garden

Scadoxus multiflorus (African Blood Lily)

African Blood Lily, Bloodflower, Fireball Lily, Powderpuff Lily, Katherine Blood Lily, Haemanthus katherinae

AGM Award
Scadoxus multiflorus, African Blood Lily, Bloodflower, Fireball Lily, Powderpuff Lily, Katherine Blood Lily, Haemanthus katherinae, Red flowers, Red Lilies
Scadoxus multiflorus, African Blood Lily, Bloodflower, Fireball Lily, Powderpuff Lily, Katherine Blood Lily, Haemanthus katherinae, Red flowers, Red Lilies
Scadoxus multiflorus, African Blood Lily, Bloodflower, Fireball Lily, Powderpuff Lily, Katherine Blood Lily, Haemanthus katherinae, Red flowers, Red Lilies

Scadoxus multiflorus (African Blood Lily) is a tender bulbous perennial with 6-7 wavy-margined, lance-shaped, bright green leaves, 12-15 in. long (30-37 cm). In early to mid summer, each bulb produces a stout stem bearing a spectacular, huge, spherical umbel, up to 10 in. across (25 cm), packed with up to 200 tiny, spidery blood-red florets with yellow-tipped stamens. The blossoms last for 1 or 2 weeks and make superb cut flowers. They are sometimes followed by small orange berries that can remain on the plant for up to 2 months. The foliage remains attractive during the growing season. Considered a cultivated ornamental bulb, African Blood Lily is native to tropical east and south Africa. This is a handsome subject for a large container and it is recommended as an indoor plant.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Thrives in full sun to part shade in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Water freely when in active growth and gradually withhold water as the leaves fade for the winter.
  • Makes a fantastic accent plant in patio containers. African Blood Lily is also grown as a houseplant.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Sow seed at 66-75ºF (19-24ºC) as soon as ripe. Offsets can be separated and planted up individually in the spring.
  • African Blood Lily performs best when root-bound and generally dislikes root disturbance.
  • The bulb is toxic if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling.
  • Native to South Africa.

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Heat Zones 10 - 12
Climate Zones 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Houseplants, Bulbs
Plant Family Amaryllidaceae
Common names Bloodflower
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid),
Height 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Buy Plants

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Heat Zones 10 - 12
Climate Zones 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Houseplants, Bulbs
Plant Family Amaryllidaceae
Common names Bloodflower
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid),
Height 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

Gardening Ideas

Plant Calculator

How many Scadoxus multiflorus (African Blood Lily) do I need for my garden?

Input your garden space dimensions

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Scadoxus multiflorus (African Blood Lily) N/A Buy Plants

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone