Cape tulip

Also known as: African tulip; April fool; blood flower; blood lily; red Cape flower; red Cape tulip

A perennial bulb to 35cm, with stout brownish stems each bearing an umbel of small red flowers, surrounded by showy scarlet bracts; fruits fleshy, white to red. Strap-shaped leaves appear after the flowers

Scientific classification

Species: Cape tulip (Haemanthus coccineus)
Genus: Haemanthus
Family: Amaryllidaceae

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

Cape tulip pictures

Distribution of Cape tulip

Distribution map

Southern 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 Cape tulip

Information to be completed

Cape tulip care guide

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging

Fertilizing

Balanced feed in spring and light repeat in growth season

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by seed or remove offsets in early spring

Growing

Plant bulbs with the necks just above the surface, when dormant, in moderately fertile soil. Under glass grow in 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

More growing and care information →