Scadoxus bulbs, plants and species
Scadoxus were previously known as Haemanthus but have recently been renamed, so lets not get confused. Scadoxus puniceus is also known as the paintbrush lily these are a summer flowering bulb that require a little space as the bulb itself is quite large.
The flower appears first on a single stalk and rise dramatically to appear like a ‘red paintbrush’. The flower will last 3-4 weeks and will then die back to be followed by large strap like leaves.
Other forms differ with Scadoxus cyrtanthiflorus having wonderful hanging flowers, while Scadoxus multiflorus have more open flowers (see picture right).
Being a winter dormant bulb from South Africa they do require a well drained position and a dry dormancy, although we grow ours in a large terra cotta pot in the rather damp Dandenong ranges outside of Melbourne, we provide little protection from the elements and it seems to thrive.
How to grow Scadoxus.
These are a remarkably easy plant to grow, they can be grown in containers and will grow happily for a number or years before needing re potting. Conditions are similar for all species including the popular Scadoxus multiflorus or ‘Blood Lily’
We have been growing ours in containers for over 10 years, they rarely require watering, and they need very little fertiliser. We do re – pot every 3 – 4 years with fresh potting mix. This is also a good time to dived them. Bestdone while the plants are in dormancy, just after the foliage has died back.
- Choose a large pot, or a well dug, well drained position in the garden.
- You will need a sunny position., perhaps with a little afternoon shade.
- These are a plant that seem to grow well even in poorer soils, however a good quality potting mix is recommended.
Propagation
Scadoxus are propagated both from seed and from offsets.
- Offsets are best divided from the parent plant immediately after flowering. They should be planted and placed in a part shaded position immediately.
- Seed is best sown fresh
Remove the ripe seeds before they drop or the birds eat them
Clean the outer coating and pulp from the seed wearing gloves.
Seed should be sown into a free draining potting mix.
The top of the seed should be at surface level.
From seed to flowering can take from 3 – 5 years.
Scadoxus Varieties
- S. puniceus
- S. multiflorus – includes sub species katherinae, longitus and multiflorus.
- S. membranaceus
- S. cyrtanthiflorus
- S.longifolius
- S. nutans
- S. pole-evansii
- S. pseudocaulus.
Scadoxus are available for sale from the following participating nurseries
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au