Overview

Drimia sanguinea is a plant with a bulbous perennial habit in the genus Drimia, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Drimia sanguinea grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental.

About

Drimia sanguinea is a bulbous perennial in the Asparagaceae that produces its flowers from May to July. The plant has deciduous foliage that die back outside the growing season. It prefers full sun in a neutral loam that drains freely and should be placed on a south-facing, sheltered aspect. It is grown as an ornamental for seasonal flowering interest.

About the genus

Drimia is a genus of African, south European and south Asian flowering plants. In the APG IV classification system, it is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae. When broadly circumscribed, the genus includes a number of other genera previously treated separately, including Litanthus, Rhodocodon, Schizobasis and Urginea.

Wikipedia contributors, "Drimia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Drimia

In the garden

A member of the genus Drimia in the Asparagaceae, Drimia sanguinea grows from a bulb and carries deciduous leaves before and after its flowering period in May to July. The flowers are the seasonal focus; leaves retreat when the plant is dormant. The lifecycle centres on the bulb as the overwintering organ. Plant into a free-draining neutral loam in a position that receives full sun and is sheltered from strong winds; a south-facing aspect is recommended. The species is rated H5 (hardy), so it can be grown outdoors across much of the UK, but poor drainage and winter wet will cause bulb loss. Allow the soil to remain well-drained through winter and avoid waterlogged holes when siting. Use Drimia sanguinea as an ornamental element where a concentrated late spring to mid-summer floral presence is wanted: a sunny border, a gravel or raised bed with good drainage, or a sheltered patio container. Because the foliage is deciduous, plan companions so the blooms are not obscured when the leaves are present. Keep the planting position dry through the dormant season to protect the bulb from rot.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Drimia

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Drimia sanguinea size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Bulbous perennial

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Ornamental

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Drimia sanguinea

Propagation

Bulb offsets

Pest resistance

High

Disease resistance

High

Frequently asked questions