Sprekelia formosissima
Aztec lily
A tender bulbous perennial to 35cm tall, with several narrowly strap-shaped leaves and a solitary, rather orchid-like bright or deep red flower 12cm wide in spring
Other common names
Jacobean lilyMexican fire lily
see moreorchid lily
St James lily
St James's cross lily
jacobean amaryllis
Synonyms
Amaryllis formosissima
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Sprekelia is a bulbous perennial with arching, strap-shaped leaves and solitary flowers, each with a lance-shaped upper tepal, narrow, spreading lateral tepals and 3 broader, overlapping lower tepals
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant in autumn with the neck and shoulders of the bulb above soil level. Grow under glass in peat-free. loam-based potting compost in full light. Water moderately in growth and apply a half strength liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks after flowering. Reduce water as foliage fades; keep almost dry when dormant
Propagation
Propagate by separating offsets when dormant in early autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Susceptible to Narcissus leaf scorch
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.