Cyrtanthus | Amaryllidaceae

Cyrtanthus - A Guide to Growing and Caring for Cyrtanthus Plants

What is Cyrtanthus?

Cyrtanthus is a genus of perennial, herbaceous and bulbous plants in the family Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. This African genus comprises a wide range of attractive flower forms and colors. Also known as Fire Lily, George Lily, and Scarborough Lily, Cyrtanthus gets its name from the Greek Kyrtos, meaning curved and anthos, flower, referring to the flower head that bends downward from the top of the stem.

With 55 named varieties, Cyrtanthus thrives in various conditions. Cyrtanthus elatus, a bulbous plant from the fynbos, produces spectacular scarlet, deep red, rose-pink, or rarely white blooms in late spring. However, it is susceptible to the Narcissus bulb fly, especially in California. Take precautions when planting to avoid infestation.

Cyrtanthus obliquus has teardrop-shaped bulbs up to 4 inches in diameter (10 cm). It forms small clumps and can be grown singly. The flowers are tubular, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long, and come in orange-red, yellow, or pink.

Adding Cyrtanthus to your garden will bring beauty and uniqueness. Ensure well-draining soil and ample sunlight for optimal growth.

The Different Varieties of Cyrtanthus

Cyrtanthus is a genus of perennial, herbaceous and bulbous plants in the family Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. This African genus offers a wide range of attractive flower forms and colors. Also known as Fire Lily, George Lily, or Scarborough Lily, Cyrtanthus has 55 named varieties that flourish in different conditions.

While Cyrtanthus species are prone to the Narcissus bulb fly, especially in California, Cyrtanthus elatus, a bulbous plant from the fynbos, produces stunning scarlet, deep red, rose-pink, or rarely white blooms in late spring.

Cyrtanthus obliquus has teardrop-shaped bulbs up to 4 inches in diameter (10 cm). It forms small clumps and can be grown singly.

Consider adding a Cyrtanthus plant to your garden for a unique and colorful addition.

Growing and Caring for Cyrtanthus

Cyrtanthus is a genus of perennial, herbaceous and bulbous plants in the family Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. This African genus offers a wide range of attractive flower forms and colors. With 55 named varieties, Cyrtanthus thrives in various habitats, from the fynbos to forest margins and grasslands.

Cyrtanthus elatus, commonly known as the Scarborough Lily or George Lily, is a bulbous plant from the fynbos. It produces spectacular scarlet, deep red, rose-pink, or rarely white blooms in late spring.

While Cyrtanthus species are prone to the Narcissus bulb fly, especially in California, Cyrtanthus obliquus has teardrop-shaped bulbs up to 4 inches in diameter (10 cm). It forms small clumps and can be grown singly.

If you're looking for a showy, easy-to-grow plant, consider adding a Cyrtanthus to your collection.

Common Pests and Diseases of Cyrtanthus

Cyrtanthus is a genus of perennial, herbaceous and bulbous plants in the family Amaryllidaceae, subfamily Amaryllidoideae. This African genus offers a wide range of attractive flower forms and colors. Also known as Fire Lily, George Lily, and Scarborough Lily, Cyrtanthus species produce spectacular scarlet, deep red, rose-pink, or rarely white blooms in late spring.

While Cyrtanthus species are prone to the Narcissus bulb fly, especially in California, taking precautions can protect your plants from this pest.

Cyrtanthus elatus, a bulbous plant from the fynbos, has teardrop-shaped bulbs up to 4 inches in diameter (10 cm). It forms small clumps and can be grown singly.

If you're looking for a show-stopping plant with a wide range of colors, consider adding a Cyrtanthus to your garden.