Flora Detail

Common Name Smooth Bloodlily, April fool, veldskoenblaar(Afr.), brandlelie(Afr.)
Family Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis, Onions, and Allies)
Date Observed 08-02-2026
Category Bulbs/Rhizomes
Catalogue No. 7779u
Flowering Time Summer
Colour Orange
Locations Observed
Estuary
Koppie
Nature Reserve Few
Small Holding
Village Few
Greater Rooiels

Haemanthus sanguineus - to be confirmed

Information

Smooth Bloodlily, April fool, veldskoenblaar(Afr.), brandlelie(Afr.)

Haemanthus sanguineus (April Fool) is a deciduous, winter-growing bulb native to South Africa, characterized by two large, leathery, prostrate leaves and a vibrant red, paintbrush-like flower head appearing in late summer to autumn. Growing up to 300 mm, it prefers well-drained soil, sandy slopes, and full sun to partial shade. 
Key Details for Haemanthus sanguineus:
Flowers: The inflorescence consists of dense, red-to-orange flowers with yellow-tipped stamens, surrounded by large, red bracts, appearing from January to April.
Leaves: Produces two, broad, leathery, ground-hugging leaves (often 80–400 mm long) that appear after flowering.
Habitat & Growth: Thrives in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil and is often found on slopes.
Dormancy: Deciduous, with the plant going dormant and losing its leaves during the hot, dry summer.
Cultivation: Requires little to no water during summer dormancy and moderate watering during its active growing season. It is well-suited for container gardening using deep pots with free-draining soil.
Appearance: Often flowers, or flowers more profusely, following fire
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