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Conservatory Greenhouse

Scadoxus multiflorus subsp. katherinae

Katherine blood lily

A bulbous perennial to 1.2m tall, with wavy-margined, oblong-lance-shaped leaves and stout stems bearing umbels of spidery scarlet flowers with long stamens, sometimes followed by small orange berries

Synonyms
Haemanthus katherinae

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Red
Autumn Orange
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Scadoxus are bulbous, rhizomatous, usually evergreen perennials, with spirally arranged, lance-shaped or ovate leaves and erect stems bearing terminal umbels of showy red flowers sometimes with colourful bracts, followed by red to yellow berries

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well drained, peat-free, loam-based compost in full sun with some protection from very hot sun. Water freely when in active growth and gradually withhold water as the leaves fade for the winter.

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed at 19-24C (66-75F) as soon as ripe. Offsets can be separated and planted up individually in the spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required other than removing the faded leaves.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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