Scadoxus puniceus

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Plant
ID 182 Scadoxus puniceus
Botanic Name Scadoxus puniceus
Common Name Paintbrush lily, Snake lily, Rooikwas
Family Name Amaryllidaceae
Cultivars
Origin Southern Europe, Zone 6-11
Growth Type Shrub
Bark Type Woody
Foliage Type Evergreen Water Use Low
No. of Species 3
Growth Habit Decumbent Growth Rate Fast
Height 0.15 - 0.2 m (1 - 1 ft) Spread 3 m (10 ft)
Plant Overview
This low growing shrub has arching branches that spread widely and forms a semi-prostrate habit. It has narrow fragrant mid green leaves and the 2 lipped lavender flowers appear in a cluster during summer.
Leaf
Type Simple Additional Information
Shape Linear
The 30 mm (1 in) long linear leaves have a recurved margin and the apex is acute. They have a prominent mid vein and the underside is white and the leaves are aromatic when crushed.
Arrangement Opposite
Margin Recurved - Revolute
Colour Mid green
Size 20 - 30 mm ( 0.8 - 1.2 in )
Flower
Perfume Odorless Additional Information
Shape Tubulate
The 10 mm (3/8 in) long tubulate flowers are pale lavender with violet spots. They are arranged in a cluster of 15 - 20 that appear in the upper leaf axils from spring to early summer and are pollinated by bees.
Inflorescence Raceme
Colour Lavender blue
Size 8 - 10 mm ( 0.3 - 0.4 in )
Flowering in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Fruit
Type Nut (dim. nutlet) Additional Information
Colour Brown
The tiny fruit is arranged in groups of 4 small nutlets. The small seeds are viable but the plant is normally reproduced vegetatively.
Edible No
Bird Attractive No
Size 0 - 0 mm ( 0.0 - 0.0 in )
Fruiting in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Environment & Cultivation
Natural Soil Well drained fertile moist sandy to light clay loam, tolerates chalky pH 6.5-7.5
Container Pots, tubs, roof gardens
Climate Temperate
Aspect Full sun, open position, drought,frost and salt tolerant
Pest & Diseases No major pest or disease problem
Fertiliser Complete fertiliser during spring, mulch with compost, keep moist during dryer periods
Pruning Cut out the old wood, pinch out new growth to maintain a bushy habit
Cultural Uses Propagation
Rosemary is a long lived herb that is grown for its foliage and its spreading habit. It is planted in small cottage gardens as a specimen or used as a ground cover or spill over. It is suitable for coastal regions establishing in 1 - 2 years.
Take semi hardwood cutting during autumn.
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