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| Category: Bulb/Tuber/Rhizome etc. |
| Family: Amaryllidaceae (Onions) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Flower Color: Orange Red |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Height: 1 foot |
| Width: <1 foot |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: >32° F |
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Cyrtanthus sanguineus (Fire Lily) - This amaryllis relative is native to Eastern Cape Province coastal districts extending northwards through Natal to Tropical East Africa. Large, 3½" wide, trumpet-shaped flowers rise 10" above the strap-shaped leaves. Brilliant orange-red blossoms droop down from clusters of umbels in summer. Foliage is rather sparse, only 2-4 leaves at any one time, measuring 14" long and 3" wide. Foliage emerges in spring from winter dormancy. Plant in full sun to light shade while providing a quick-draining soil. The bulb is rather large, up to 3" wide, for the genus of Cyrtanthus and is cold hardy to 32° F, possibly lower if protected. It was first described in 1848, two years after being presented to the London Horticultural Society. The scientific name is derived from the Greek 'kyrtos' (curved) and 'anthos' (flower) while the specific epithet 'sanguineous' is Latin for "blood red". The common name, Fire Lily, refers to the ability of these bulbs to tolerate and even flower immediately after wildfires.
The information about Cyrtanthus sanguineus displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
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