Haemanthus coccineus

A deciduous perennial bulb that grows up to 35cm tall.

Brilliant red flowers with prominant yellow stamens bloom from February to April followed by large wide hairy ground hugging green leaves. Each bulb only produces one flower followed by two large leaves occassionally three. The flowers are soon followed by translucent fleshy berries containing 1-3 dark wine-coloured seeds. The berries may be white to pale or deep pink in colour. Leaves are often darker and can be tinged red on the underside.

Prefers full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. Ensure flowers can grow without being smothered or hidden by other plants.

Poorly-drained soils can be improved by forming raised beds and incorporating coarse sand or gravel. A light application of slow-release fertiliser gives good results. A light dressing of sulphate of potash will improve flower quality and increases resistance to leaf spotting diseases. Avoid fertilisers which contain blood and bone as they are high in nitrogen. When planting bulbs, cover with soil to twice the depth of the bulb.

Sow Haemanthus seeds in deep seed trays as soon as possible after harvesting. Use a very well-drained sandy medium to which some fine compost has been added. Press lightly into the soil so that the top of the seed remains visible. Water well once and then again only after the first leaves appear. After that, water well once every two to three weeks. When the leaves begin to yellow, withhold watering altogether. Judicious watering starts again when the leaves reappear after the dormant period. Leave young plants in seed trays for at least two years before potting up individually into large deep pots about 30cm in diameter. Select pots which will hold the mature plants as they don't enjoy being disturbed again.

If planting into open ground, select a well-drained position which only receives natural rains and is not influenced by artificial watering systems. This is truly a water-wise plant! Also, select a spot where the flowerheads can be appreciated. Most bulbous plants require a sunny situation and well-drained soil to grow and flower well. Poorly-drained soils can be improved by forming raised beds and incorporating coarse sand or gravel. A light application of slow-release fertiliser gives good results.

Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Deciduous bulbs must be allowed to complete their full cycle of growth, with leaves drying off naturally. If leaves are tied up into a knot or removed prematurely, their nutrients will not be transferred to the storage organs and there will be less flowering next season. Annuals may be grown in the same ground after the bulbs have died down. Crinum, Scadoxus and a few others resent disturbance and flower best when they have formed large, crowded clumps of bulbs. The majority of bulbous plants deteriorate in vigour and flowering when overcrowded, so lift, divide and replant every three or four years. Water freely when growing and apply a diluted balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep just moist when dormant.

Can get a leaf spot disease.

Rock Garden

It was probably the first flower to be collected from Table Mountain in South Africa and probably also the first illustration of a South African flower to appear in a European publication. The illustration was by the Flemish botanist de L'Obel in 1605.