Scadoxus multiflorus subsp. katherinae

A deciduous, upright, spreading bulb growing to 0.6m tall and 0.3m wide.

In late summer, large round heads of up to 200 bright red-orange flowers with narrow petals and long stamens are produced. These are followed by heads of small spherical green berries which turn red when ripe. Leaves are large and lush, lance-shaped to ovate and bright green. This bulb is usually evergreen but can be deciduous in cooler climes.

Best planted in partial to full shade in moist but well-drained, rich soil in frost-free areas.

Always choose healthy, well-grown plants and plant after autumn rains. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in, water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic-based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins.

Apply an organic mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. Once this bulb is established it should be left as they dislike disturbance. It is easily propagated by seed or from offsets. Offsets can be removed from the parent plants after flowering and planted directly where they are to be left. Seed can be collected once ripe but doesn't need to be removed from the plant immediately. It is best left until the red skin around the seed has started to wrinkle, this indicates that the seed is now fully ripe, usually in early spring. The seed should be cleaned by gently removing the outer red skin by peeling or rubbing it off taking care not to damage the soft fleshy seed within. Seed can be sown immediately, press the seed into the surface of a good light potting mix and water, keep the seed damp. Once germinated it will take approx three years to flower.

Slugs and snails love the new leaves as they emerge.

Rock Garden

These bulbs are highly toxic to livestock and people, both the bulb and the leaves as they contain high levels of alkaloid.