Fire Lily
Cyrtanthus breviflorus

Family: Amaryllidaceae

What it is like

Cyrtanthus breviflorus is an evergreen Bulb growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Small streams, wet grassland or marshy slopes, to 3000 metres .

S. Africa.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

A food plant. No more details are given.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Easily grown in a moist soil. Requires a free-draining light soil in full sun. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to about -5° if it is growing in a warm sheltered position in a well-drained soil. It is best given some protection over winter. Plants are deciduous in colder climates. It is best to keep the plants fairly dry when they are resting. A very variable plant.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe, otherwise in spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division of offsets after flowering.

Best place to grow: Bog Garden;

Habit: Bulb

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Anoiganthus breviflorus. Harv.