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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

Synonyms
Hippeastrum bifidum
Amaryllis bifida
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H2
Botanical 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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