Rhodophiala bifida
oxblood lily
R. bifida is a summer-deciduous, bulbous perennial, producing umbels of up to 5 narrowly funnel-shaped, bright, deep-red flowers in summer or early autumn, before or just as the new foliage emerges
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Red | |||
Autumn | Red | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Potentially harmful
- All parts may cause a mild stomach upset if ingested. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
- Genus
Rhodophiala are bulbous perennials, closely related to Hippeastrum, with narrowly strap-shaped leaves and tubular to funnel-shaped, brightly coloured flowers in umbels of 1-6
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Brazil to Argentina
How to grow
Cultivation
Pot newly purchased bulbs in autumn, planting so that two-thirds of the bulb remains above the surface and water sparingly at first. Use a loam-based compost (JI No2) with added perlite for extra drainage. Newly emerging leaves will signify that root activity has started, and water can then be applied freely whenever the compost in the pot approaches dryness. A warm buoyant atmosphere with a temperature ideally in the region of 15-18°C and a sunny position are desirable for good growth. Exposure to the sun under glass should be avoided only in the hottest part of summer
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as fresh as possible in a temperature of 16-18°C. Seeds can be started in John Innes seed compost and seedlings potted on using John Innes No 2 with the addition of extra sharp sand or grit. Grow in individual small pots, potting on periodically during the spring-summer season of vigorous growth into slightly larger pots as the young plants develop or each time the pot becomes well filled with roots. Keep plants growing actively, in moderate warmth, allowing no periods of dormancy. Cultivars will not come true from seed; an alternative method of propagation is to remove offsets in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Bulb scale mite and narcissus bulb fly may be a problem
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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