Blood Lily (Haemanthus coccineus)

Blood lily (Haemanthus coccineus), also called paintbrush lily, is a striking South African bulb in the Amaryllidaceae family. It's grown for its spectacular, dense, spherical flower heads that resemble bright red powder puffs.

Description

Deciduous bulb producing 2–4 broad, fleshy, strap-shaped leaves up to 12 inches long after flowering. The inflorescence emerges leafless in late summer to fall: a stout stem 6–12 inches tall topped by a dense umbel 3–6 inches across, composed of hundreds of tiny, scarlet-red flowers with prominent yellow anthers. The effect is a brilliant red ball. Flowers last 2–3 weeks.

Growing Conditions

• Zones: 9–11 outdoors; grown in containers elsewhere.
• Light: Full sun to light shade. Needs bright light for good flowering.
• Soil: Very well-drained, sandy/gritty mix. Excellent drainage critical.
• Water: Water regularly during active growth (winter–spring in native habitat; adjust for hemisphere). Keep dry during summer dormancy.
• Temperature: Frost-tender; protect below 30°F (-1°C).

Care & Maintenance

Plant bulbs with neck at soil surface. Feed with low-nitrogen bulb fertilizer when leaves emerge. Repot container bulbs every 3–4 years after foliage dies back. Propagate by offsets or seed (slow).

Uses

Rock gardens, Mediterranean-climate beds, and containers. Spectacular cut flower (short stem). Dormant bulbs can be stored dry.

Potential Issues

Bulb rot in wet soil, especially during dormancy. Snails/slugs on leaves. Mealybugs on bulbs. Requires a distinct dry dormancy period to bloom reliably.

A dramatic, conversation-starting bulb for gardeners who can provide a dry summer rest.