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Cyrtanthus elatus

Scarborough lily

A deciduous bulbous perennial, to 60cm in height, with strap-shaped basal leaves and stout, erect stems bearing up to nine funnel-shaped, scarlet flowers, each to 10cm in length

Other common names
berglelie
George lily
see moreKnysna lily
Synonyms
Cyrtanthus purpureus
Vallota speciosa
see moreAmaryllis purpurea
Cyrtanthus speciosus
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Red Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Genus

Cyrtanthus are bulbous perennials forming a clump of strap-shaped leaves with erect stems each bearing an umbel of large tubular or funnel-shaped flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
South Africa (Cape)

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in humus-rich, well-drained soil in warm frost-free areas; plant bulbs at twice their depth. Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added leafmould and sand in bright filtered light but not direct sun; plant with the neck of bulb at soil level

Propagation

Propagate by seed or remove offsets in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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