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
Where is the best place to plant Haemanthus?
Haemanthus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Haemanthus need?
Haemanthus grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Haemanthus hardy in the UK?
Haemanthus has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Haemanthus?
Propagate by seed or remove offsets in early spring.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.