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(Haemanthus coccineus)
Blood Lily (Haemanthus coccineus)
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Timothy Whitehead
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Timothy Whitehead
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Timothy Whitehead | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Timothy Whitehead | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-03-24T15:54:09-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Haemanthus coccineus, commonly known as Blood Lily or Paintbrush Lily, is a bulbous perennial herb native to the open woodlands and grasslands of Southern Africa. It typically grows to 35 cm (14 in) in both height and width. The plant features short brown stems topped with striking red flowers that resemble shaving brushes, making it a standout in any garden. The flowerheads appear from late winter to early spring, between February and April, and are followed by translucent, fleshy berries. After the flowering period, usually two, sometimes three, large strap-shaped leaves emerge per bulb.
The Blood Lily is valued for its unique and vibrant flowerheads, which add a touch of exotic flair to gardens. It is often used in rock gardens, as a container plant, or in borders for its ornamental qualities. While it is hardy down to about 1 °C (34 °F), it must be protected from frost, as it cannot withstand freezing temperatures. For optimal growth, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil with medium moisture levels. Despite its tropical appearance, Haemanthus coccineus is relatively easy to maintain, provided it is not exposed to cold extremes.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Blood Lily is valued for its unique and vibrant flowerheads, which add a touch of exotic flair to gardens. It is often used in rock gardens, as a container plant, or in borders for its ornamental qualities. While it is hardy down to about 1 °C (34 °F), it must be protected from frost, as it cannot withstand freezing temperatures. For optimal growth, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil with medium moisture levels. Despite its tropical appearance, Haemanthus coccineus is relatively easy to maintain, provided it is not exposed to cold extremes.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.3-1 feet
- Width: 3-12 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red, Orange
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands and grasslands of Southern Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Blood Flower, Paintbrush Lily
Scientific Names: , Haemanthus coccineus, Haemanthus tigrinus, Haemanthus hookerianus, Haemanthus callosus, Haemanthus carinatus, Haemanthus coarctatus, Haemanthus coccineus var. carinatus, Haemanthus coccineus var. coarctatus, Haemanthus coccineus var. grandivalvis
GBIF Accepted Name: Haemanthus coccineus L.