Scadoxus multiflorus subsp. katherinae
Katherine blood lily
S. multiflorus subsp. katherinae is 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
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | |||
| Autumn | Orange | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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, loam-based compost (JI No2) 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
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.