Of the Amaryllidaceae family, and coming to us from the Eastern Cape of South Africa, this Cyrtanthus species is among the easiest to grow of the oft-difficult-to-please genus, one reason it is seldom found in cultivation. We mustn’t let the deficiencies of some spoil the reputation of an entire genus.

Tubular flowers range from summer bright to soft, mellow orange and borne in nodding clusters atop 1218-inch stems. The leaves are narrow, strappy, and generally evergreen. In its native locale, it enjoys moist grassland and rocky streambanks. Increases quickly but not concerningly so.

Tips for growing: We grow these primarily in pots with good drainage in our 40 F winter greenhouse. It has not been picky about soil composition as long as it has drainage.

Mature size: 12-18 inches T

Minimum temperature: 25-30 F