Scadoxus multiflorus, a South African amaryllid from the Southern rainfall region, has been one of the greatest surprises in our hardiness trials. Despite enduring temperatures as low as 0 degrees F since the mid-1990s, the deciduous torch lily has returned each year. In early July, the 1' tall flower spike emerges overnight, topped with a tiny reddish bud that quickly explodes like a skyward firework into a 6-8", fuzzy red fireball. During flowering, the 1' tall, glossy green, strappy leaves emerge from the ground on short green stalks forming a hosta-like clump that lasts throughout the summer. A bed of torch lilies is sure to cause visitors to do a double take. Maintenance: Scadoxus multiflorus is a maintenance free perennial in our climate, requiring no additional care after planting. After several years, they can be dug and divided, which is best done after flowering. Growing Conditions: Scadoxus multiflorus is a woodland plant that does best in light shade, but will also tolerate a couple of hours of sun in the early morning. It has no tolerance for all day sun, and will also suffer if planted in deep shade. It prefers a dry to average moisture soil that drains well. Nomenclature: We previously offered this as Scadoxus multiflorus ssp. katherine, but it turned out to actually be Scadoxus multiflorus ssp. multiflorus. We apologize for the error. Natural Impact: Scadoxus multiflorus is pollinated almost exclusively by large swallowtail butterflies.
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