Overview

Haemanthus is a tufted conservatory greenhouse in the genus Haemanthus, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Haemanthus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.

About

Haemanthus, commonly known as blood lily or blood flower, is a genus of perennial bulbs in the Amaryllidaceae family. These tufted plants have evergreen foliage and produce small flowers arranged in dense umbels, often accompanied by vibrant bracts. Suitable for conservatories, greenhouses, and as houseplants, they thrive in well-drained loam or sandy soils with an alkaline to neutral pH. Haemanthus prefers full sun to partial shade in a sheltered, south-facing aspect and is hardy to UK zone H2. It is typically grown as a patio or container plant and is of interest during the winter season.

About the genus

Haemanthus is a Southern African genus of flowering plants in the family Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. Members of the genus are known as blood lily and paintbrush lily. There are some 22 known species, native to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini.

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

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Haemanthus

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H2

Plant details

Haemanthus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants, Bulbs

Habit

Tufted

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Patio and container plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Haemanthus

Propagation

Propagate by seed or remove offsets in early spring

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions