Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Scadoxus puniceus
Paintbrush Lily
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Height
- 24 to 36 inches
- Width
- 12 to 18 inches
- Flower color
- Rounded spherical heads of bright orange to scarlet red flowers with prominent stamens
- Foliage color
- Broad bright green straplike leaves arising from a short pseudostem
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Partial shade to bright filtered light
- Water
- Moderate moisture in well drained soil with reduced watering during dormancy
- Maintenance
- Low; allow bulbs to rest dry during winter dormancy and protect from frost
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 9 to 11
- Wildlife
- Attracts pollinating insects
About this plant
Scadoxus puniceus produces broad, glossy green leaves that emerge in layered pairs from a fleshy bulb, creating an upright cluster of smooth, arching foliage. In late spring to early summer, a sturdy stalk rises above the leaves bearing a rounded globe of densely packed red to orange red flowers, each narrow petal extending outward with long protruding stamens that form a vivid spherical head.
Native to southern and eastern Africa, the species grows in warm woodland regions and rocky slopes. In gardens, it is valued for containers, conservatories, and sheltered borders where its bold flowering display and sculptural foliage provide a dramatic seasonal focal point.
Works well in
Borders · Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Rain Gardens
Companion plants
Solomon's seal · Ferns · Lungworts · Wild ginger · Hellebores · Japanese forest grass
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Sebright Gardens.
