Haemanthus. This south African genus is very rare in cultivation. Very few 
have ever seen one. 'They are hardy only in an almost frost-free climate like So. 
Calif. or Florida. In their habitat, the following grow in cool, moist forest glades 
where there is little sun but plenty of light and where breezes keep the air in 
motion. These are the famous and rare Blood Lilies of South Africa. 
Culture They should be grown in pots except in climates like Florida and So. 
Calif. The soil should be equal parts of loam, coarse sand and peat or leaf mould 
made thoroly fine. Drainage should be perfect. A tablespoonful of bone meal 
to each pot is useful. H. Katherinae should be planted about 3” deep; puniceus, 
coccineus and carneus covered about 1” to 2”. The bulb of albiflos may extend 
about half above soil surface. An abundance of water at all times when growing 
is required but rather on dry side when dormant. Additional culture information 
is given with species. All are natives of South Africa. All are easy to propogate 
from the freely produced seed. Grow them as advised for Clivia seed. 
Haemanthus Katherinae. The bright red flowers fill a large rounded umbel 
often 10” or more in diameter. I have counted nearly 125 in an umbel. The broad 
banana-like foliage droops gracefully into an umbrella form. Scarlet seeds follow 
the flowers. A plant in flower is an unforgettable sight of tropic beauty. The 
entire plant is of quite large proportions, the foliage and flower umbel reaching 
a height of 30” to 36”. Introduced from Natal in 1877, they are yet very rare. 
Give them a 14” to 16” pot or tub. 
Katherinae is almost evergreen but usually tops either die or decline in 
January. About that time, the neck splits due to pressure of new growth. We can 
usually deliver from Jan. until late March but early ordering is advisable. We 
usually delay shipment by mail to north when there is danger of freezing. 
Express is always safe. Katherinae should never be entirely dried off but less 
water is needed in winter as it is a summer grower. Former prices were $10.00 
and $12.50. Special this spring for $6.50 in a good flowering size and $8.50 for 
extra large bulbs. 
H. albiflos. Two or more rather stiff erect evergreen leaves. The small white 
flowers, 100 or more, are.in a dense umbel. A rare and unusual plant. It is ever- 
green and must never be dried off. But most growth is made in summer and more 
water is needed then. Flowers here in late fall. Leaves burn badly in sun. $3.00. 
H. coccineus. This is the true Blood Lily altho all Haemanthus are referred 
to as Blood Lilies even tho one has white and another flesh pink flowers. ‘This 
very rare Amaryllid usually has only two semi-erect leaves. They grow all winter 
after which they should be entirely dry until about Aug. Then watered only a 
little at first. The flower scape appears, preceding foliage. This scape furnishes 
part of the floral display, being marked by contrasting red spots on a bright 
background. The 4” umbel consists of very numerous small, densely placed blood 
red flowers. These are followed by the fruits which turn red upon ripening. Each 
fruit will contain one or more large seeds. In the south plant the bulbs with top 
even with soil surface. Half shade. Easy in pots where half of bulb may be above 
soil. Stock very limited. Order early and reserve your bulb. $3.00 ea. Jumbo size 
that should give 2 or 3 flower scapes and a lot of seed, $4.00. 
H. carneus. The two leaves are prostrate. The flowers are larger and less 
numerous than in H. coccineus and are flesh colored and not striking in appear- 
ance. The growth habits are similar. It is valuable mostly to collectors of unusual 
plants and for crossing with H. Katherinae, H. coccineus or others to get new 
colors. Moisture does not harm this species when dormant as in case of H. 
coccineus. Delivery late spring to about Aug. 1. Stock limited as on all Haeman- 
thus and it is best to order in advance. Price $3.50. 
H. puniceus. Evergreen plant with very attractive foliage. The leaves are 
very vivid green, wavy edged with spotted petioles. Scarlet flowers in spring in 
umbel similar but smaller than H. coccineus and followed by red fruits. This is 
an exceptionally nice, easy to grow and unusual house plant. $4.00. 
Hemerocallis. Daylily. The flowers range in color from dark bronzy red, 
thru pastel tones of pink to orange and yellow. They are borne on a branching 
scape well above the foliage. 
The Greek name, meaning “beautiful for a day,” refers to an individual 
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