African blood lily (Scadoxus multiflorus)

Overview

The Scadoxus multiflorus, widely known as the African blood lily, provides a spectacular, architectural focal point in the summer garden. This bulbous perennial is famous for its dramatic spherical flower heads composed of hundreds of tiny, densely packed, intensely red florets, giving it the common name ‘blood lily.’ Native to tropical and sub-tropical regions of Africa, it offers an exotic flair perfect for seasonal displays.

As a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, the African blood lily requires specific overwintering care outside of warm climates. While maintenance is generally low during the active growing season, successful cultivation hinges on providing sharp drainage and consistent moisture when growth is active, followed by a dry dormancy period. Its bold foliage and striking bloom make the Scadoxus multiflorus a prized specimen.

Gardeners are drawn to the robust nature of this plant once established, though it generally dislikes root disturbance. Whether grown in containers on a patio or directly in the ground in tropical settings, the promise of the unique “fireball” bloom ensures the Scadoxus multiflorus earns its keep in the landscape.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Amaryllidaceae
• Plant Type: Bulb
• Native Range: Africa, Arabian Peninsula
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-2 ft
  • Spread: 0.75-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: June to July
• Bloom Description: Red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting the African blood lily bulbs outdoors should occur in spring after all danger of frost has passed, favoring organically rich, well-drained soil. While they can be planted directly in the garden in Zones 9-11, these plants often perform best when root-bound, making container gardening a preferred method regardless of climate. Ensure the selected spot offers a balance of bright light, moving toward part shade if afternoon heat is intense.

Watering must be consistent throughout the active growing season to support the development of robust foliage and impressive flower heads. Aim for medium moisture levels but prioritize sharp drainage to prevent bulb rot, a common pitfall. As late summer approaches, significantly reduce moisture to cue the plant for dormancy.

For gardeners in cooler regions, the key to success with Scadoxus multiflorus is proper overwintering. Bulbs must be dug before the first fall frost, cleaned, packed in dry peat, and stored in a cool (50-60°F) and dry location. If grown in containers, simply bring the entire pot indoors before the first frost and reduce watering drastically during storage.

Because the bulbs dislike root disturbance, many growers leave them in containers indefinitely, sometimes sinking the pots into the garden soil to blend them in during summer. This method ensures easy retrieval for winter storage while promoting excellent performance from the Scadoxus multiflorus.

Landscape Uses

The bold appearance of the African blood lily makes it an exceptional accent plant where dramatic vertical interest is required. Because they generally perform well when confined, they are outstanding choices for container plantings on patios, decks, or entryways. Grouping several bulbs in a large pot creates an immediate, high-impact specimen display that can be moved as needed.

In climates where they can be grown permanently in the ground, use the Scadoxus multiflorus as a startling focal point in mixed borders or among sparser foliage plants that allow the spherical flower umbel to stand out. Their tropical look pairs well with broad-leafed foliage plants or architectural succulents that share similar sun and drainage needs.

For an indoor winter display, growing the African blood lily as a houseplant in a bright location is highly rewarding. Ensure the potted specimen receives its required dormancy period by reducing water substantially once the leaves begin to yellow in fall.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Fruit Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Each bulb of Scadoxus multiflorus produces several bright green leaves and one magnificent, soft-ball-sized terminal umbel of dense red flowers, which can reach four to six inches in diameter. This bulbous perennial, formerly known as Haemanthus multiflorus, gets its common name, African blood lily, from the red stains occasionally found on its white bulbs. The showy flowers are followed by attractive tiny orange-scarlet berries, and the leaves remain ornamental throughout the growing season.

Tolerances

Potential Problems

The African blood lily enjoys a generally low maintenance routine regarding pests and diseases, rarely suffering from serious infestations. However, monitoring for common garden nuisances such as slugs and snails is worthwhile, especially when new growth emerges. A more significant consideration for gardeners is that the bulbs contain toxic alkaloids, meaning ingestion by pets or children should be strictly prevented. Proper handling and separation from curious wildlife are essential management practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is African blood lily suitable for?

The African blood lily (Scadoxus multiflorus) is winter hardy only in USDA Zones 9 through 11 where it can be grown directly in the ground.

How large does Scadoxus multiflorus grow?

This species typically reaches a mature height between 1 to 2 feet tall, with a spread of 0.75 to 1.5 feet, depending on growing conditions.

When does African blood lily bloom?

Scadoxus multiflorus generally exhibits its spectacular red bloom time from June to July.

What sun exposure does African blood lily need?

This plant thrives best when positioned in an area receiving full sun to light part shade.

Conclusion

The unique floral display of the Scadoxus multiflorus makes it an unmissable feature for gardeners seeking high visual impact with relatively low seasonal effort. Whether you utilize its container portability or grow it permanently in frost-free areas, this African blood lily delivers on its exotic promise. Always verify your local hardiness zone and plan for dry, cool overwintering if temperatures dip below Zone 9.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for the African blood lily, focus on plants that appreciate similar sun exposure—full sun to light shade—and have consistent moisture requirements during the growing season. Look for plants with contrasting foliage textures or colors to make the Scadoxus multiflorus bloom pop. Grasses with finer textures or broad-leafed tropicals work well when containers are sunk into the garden soil for summer display.

Consider pairing the Scadoxus multiflorus with summer-blooming perennials that tolerate excellent drainage. Plants that establish deep roots or prefer drier conditions during dormancy may conflict with the bulb’s required reduction in watering leading up to winter rest. Successful companion planting emphasizes cultural harmony over sheer aesthetic pairing.

Seasonal Care Calendar

For gardeners in Zones 9-11, summer care focuses on steady moisture when the plant is actively growing, ensuring well-drained soil prevents rot. As late summer progresses toward fall, gradually pull back on the hose, allowing the soil to dry out as the leaves begin to senesce naturally. This signals the beginning of dormancy preparation.

For overwintering populations (whether potted or dug up), the period from fall through early spring is critical. Storage must be cool—ideally 50-60°F—and completely dry to prevent decay. Avoid any fertilizer application during this rest phase. Bring containers or bulbs back into warmth and resume regular humidity levels only after the threat of frost has completely passed in the spring.

Spring marks the beginning of the active cycle; plant outdoor bulbs or bring dormant containers out after the last frost date. Begin watering lightly at first, increasing frequency as the plant breaks dormancy and pushes up its succulent flower stem. Fertilizing lightly with a balanced, water-soluble feed can support the vigorous summer growth of the Scadoxus multiflorus.