About
Cyrtanthus falcatus, the falcate fire lily, is a bulbous perennial to around 30 cm tall with ribbon-like, curved leaves and erect stems bearing one-sided umbels of trumpet-shaped, red flowers to 6 cm long in spring. A showy and distinctive fire lily for a sunny, frost-free border or heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Cyrtanthus, the fire lilies, are bulbous perennials from southern Africa forming clumps of strap-shaped leaves with erect stems each bearing an umbel of large, tubular or funnel-shaped flowers in red, orange, yellow, pink or white. Some species are deciduous in dry conditions. Grown as ornamental bulbs in frost-free borders and heated glasshouses.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toSouth Africa (KwaZulu-Natal)
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in humus-rich, well-drained soil in warm frost-free areas; plant bulbs at twice their depth. Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added leafmould and sand in bright filtered light but not direct sun; plant with the neck of bulb at soil level
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or remove offsets in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free