Blood Lily (Scadoxus multiflorus) - 3 bulbs

Hey, Houston! Hey, Florida! Hey, Gulf Coast cities! This is the bulb for you. Now is a great time to go ahead and plant the Scadoxus multiflorus better known as the "Blood Lily" or "Blood Flower." This bulb grows well in zones 9-11, but that isn't going to keep those of us in zone 8 from planting some. We are just going to put them in pots to be able to protect them in the winter. Baseball to softball-size globes of fiery red appear on stems bringing bright color to your garden. They have beautiful dark green leaves for months, and in the fall, the stems produce bright berries which add a new splash of color to your garden.

The "Blood Lily" is originally from Africa and Arabia and is part of the Amaryllis family. If planted in the ground, it works best in zones 9-11.  

Blooms: This plant produces lovely green leaves that lasts all summer long. Around June, a softball-sized flower will appear from each bulb for about 1-2 weeks. Later the plant will produce red berries which may last for a couple of months. 

Temperature: This bulb needs the ground temperatures to be at least 60 degrees or higher. If you live north of zone 9 consider either planting in a pot and bringing it in during the winter or digging the bulbs and storing them. 

Pots: These bulbs work great when planted in pots. They produce better blooms when they are not disturbed very often. Consider getting a pot (or several) so that the bulbs can live happily with disturbance for several years. Consider placing the pots under or near trees during the summer.  

Plant: Plant the bulbs with just the top of the bulb visible at ground level. 

Water: If it is growing season and you plant them in the ground, they will perform best if they receive some good water at least once a week. Be sure not to overwater in the ground or in a pot. If you plant them in a pot, then make sure to water sparingly at first so as not to rot the bulb. Once the bulbs start to grow, though, increase the water so that they are well fed. Once the plant is ready to go dormant, water only enough to keep the bulbs from completely drying out (about 1/2 inch a week). 

Soil: This plant does best if planted in well-drained soil. 

Light: Though these bulbs like the heat and humidity of the deep south, they actually do better in bright indirect light. They will perform well with summer morning sun but try to keep them out of direct afternoon sun. 

Animals: Butterflies, bees, and birds all enjoy these blooms.