About
Haemanthus coccineus, the Cape tulip, is a deciduous bulbous perennial to 35 cm producing stout, brownish-spotted stems each topped by a stunning umbel of small, red flowers surrounded by conspicuous, scarlet, fleshy bracts in late summer, before the strap-shaped leaves appear. The brilliant-red display makes it one of the most spectacular autumn-flowering bulbs for a greenhouse or conservatory.
About the genus
Haemanthus are evergreen or deciduous perennial bulbs from southern Africa producing strap-shaped or broadly elliptic leaves and dense umbels of small flowers, often within showy, fleshy bracts, followed by fleshy, white or red berries. Grown as ornamental conservatory and greenhouse plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesBorders, containers, naturalising in grass.
Native toS Africa
ToxicityOrnamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 8203,haemanthus-montanus,Haemanthus montanus,,Haemanthus montanus is an ornamental
Care notes
CultivationPlant bulbs with the necks just above the surface, when dormant, in moderately fertile soil. Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added leaf mould and grit in full light. Flowering will be prolonged if light levels are reduced when the buds open. Water freely when in growth and apply a dilute balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep just moist when dormant and do not pot on regularly as flowering is best when congested
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or remove offsets in early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free