Contents
Description
Lysidice, also known as African Blood Lily, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. It is native to South Africa and is a popular choice for gardeners due to its stunning blooms and easy care requirements. The plant produces long, strap-like leaves that grow up to 50cm long, and tall flower spikes that can reach up to 80cm in height. The flowers are red in color and are shaped like umbrellas, with many small flowers arranged in a cluster at the top of the stem.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus | Lysidice |
Appearance
Lysidice is a tall and striking plant that can add a pop of color to any garden. The leaves are long and thin, and can grow up to 50cm long. The flower spikes are tall and slender, and can reach up to 80cm in height. The flowers themselves are red in color, and are shaped like umbrellas, with many small flowers arranged in a cluster at the top of the stem. The blooms are long-lasting, and can stay on the plant for several weeks, making it a great choice for cut flower arrangements.
Care Guide
Lysidice is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for your Lysidice:
- Water: Lysidice prefers well-draining soil, so be careful not to overwater it. Water it deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilization: Fertilize Lysidice once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season.
- Soil: Lysidice prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy, add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Lysidice prefers full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. Make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
- Hardiness Zones: Lysidice is hardy in USDA zones 8-11. In colder areas, it can be grown as an annual.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lysidice is a hardy plant that is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can sometimes be affected by spider mites, thrips, or aphids. To prevent these pests, keep the plant well-watered and fertilized, and prune away any dead or damaged leaves. If you do notice pests, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Lysidice is native to South Africa, where it grows in well-draining soils in full sun or partial shade. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and heat, making it a great choice for gardens in hot, dry climates. It can also be grown in containers, as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant gets enough sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lysidice a good cut flower?
A: Yes, Lysidice is a great cut flower that can last for several weeks.
Q: Can Lysidice be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lysidice can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant gets enough sunlight.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Lysidice?
A: Lysidice is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Q: Does Lysidice prefer full sun or partial shade?
A: Lysidice prefers full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.
Related Plants
- Crinum
- Clivia
- Nerine
- Amaryllis
References
- “Lysidice.” Pacific Bulb Society. https://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/Lysidice.
- “African Blood Lily.” Plantz Africa. http://pza.sanbi.org/lysidice-nigrescens.
- “African Blood Lily.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=283962&isprofile=0&.
