About
An evergreen, bulbous perennial to 30cm, with one or two spreading, broad, strap-shaped, hairy leaves per bulband brush-like clusters of small white flowers held within broad greenish-white bracts, and sometimes followed by red berries.
About the genus
Haemanthus are evergreen or deciduous perennial bulbs with strap-shaped or broadly elliptic leaves and small flowers in dense umbels, sometimes with colourful bracts, and followed by fleshy, white or red fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants, Bulbs
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toSouth Africa, Eswatini
ToxicityOrnamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationUnder 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. See haemanthus cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or remove offsets in early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free