A very attractive yet rarely seen flowering bulb is Rhodophiala bifida. It is originally from Chile, Uruguay and surrounding areas, and is useful as an Autumn flowering bulb. Of the 45 -50 Rhodophiala species very few are offered for sale.
Sometimes referred to as the ‘BloodLily’, ‘Hurricane Lily’ or ‘Ox Blood Lily’. Pink and white species are also available for sale at times. This bulb was previouslt known as Hippeastrum adevenum, and indeed it is a part of the amazing Amaryllis group.
Widely grown in the southern USA where they seem to have hybridised the species a fair bit.
Care
Rhodophiala bifida (above) grows well in pots or in a well drained, sunny position in the garden. Will produce offsets which can be separated during dormant periods. Preferring a sunny well drained position and a dry summer dormancy Rhodophiala bifida springs to life when the autumn rains are about to begin.
- Full sun.
- Humus rich well drained soil.
- Propagation is from seed or by offsets.
- Some moisture over summer is important, a desiccated soil at this time can harm the bulbs.
Where to buy Rhodophiala bifida
Not commonly found for sale in bulb catalogues, try Ferny Creek Horticultural Society Plant Fairs and other ‘Collectors’ plant fairs.