A large bulb with a very distinct red to pink candelabra flower that flowers in summer. Numerous tongue-shaped frill-edged leaves that clump together to a vertical centre are produced after the flower head is spent. In this species the bulb tunic is brown and papery
0.5-1 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Plant bulbs only just below the soil surface, when dormant, in moderately fertile, light, free-draining soil; extra grit can be added to improve drainage. Will do best when baked in full sun and with shelter from harsh frosts
Propagate by seed, sowing them in containers in a cold frame when ripe or in the spring. Seeds are ready to set once ripe. There is no dormant period. Alternatively remove offsets in autumn
No pruning required
May be susceptible to bulb damage by large narcissus bulb fly. May also be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite when grown under glass
Generally disease-free