blood flower

Also known as: imperial flower

A bulbous perennial, to 1m tall, with broad lance-shaped to oval leaves, up to 45cm long, forming a "stem" of sheathed leaf stalks. In summer produces spherical flowerheads, 10-25cm across, of up to 200 narrow-petalled, red flowers with long stamens, followed by small orange berries

Scientific classification

Species: blood flower (Scadoxus multiflorus)
Genus: Scadoxus
Family: Amaryllidaceae

Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Conservatory Greenhouse
Plant type: 0.5-1 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Columnar upright
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

blood flower pictures

Distribution of blood flower

Distribution map

Arabia, Tropical Africa

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of blood flower

Information to be completed

blood flower care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe and germinate at 19-24°C. Remove offsets in early spring

Growing

Plant bulbs in late winter or early spring, with necks at soil level, in loam-based potting compost with added leaf mould and grit. Grow under glass in full light with shade from hot sun. 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

More growing and care information →