The Story
Plant Bio
Haemanthus coccineus, commonly known as the blood lily, is known for its striking red flowers that appear in clusters and its bulbous foliage.
This species is particularly valued for its unique appearance and relatively low maintenance needs, thriving in well-drained soils.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Bulb Corm Tuber
Height
12 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Low to moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
South Africa
Toxicity
All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck bulbs 2-3 inches deep into well-draining soil in a sunny spot.
- Mist cuttings lightly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
- Water sparingly during dormancy, increase watering during active growth.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks in growing season.
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds around the base.
- Transplant in early spring when the plant begins to grow actively.
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent bulb rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water moderately during active growth 🌱
- Provide full sun for best flowering
- Use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging
- Feed with a balanced fertilizer every month
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, especially during dormancy ❌
- Don’t expose bulbs to standing water
- Do not disturb bulbs during flowering
- Avoid excessive fertilization which can cause leaf burn
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Blood Lily questions
What zones can Blood Lily grow in?
Blood Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Blood Lily deer resistant?
Yes — Blood Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Blood Lily bloom?
Blood Lily typically blooms in late summer to autumn through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Blood Lily need full sun?
Blood Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Blood Lily drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Blood Lily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Blood Lily with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.