Japanese name: キルタンツス エラツス Scientific name:Cyrtanthus elatus
[Overview]
An evergreen bulbous perennial 30–45 cm tall.
The bulb is about 3–5 cm across and wrapped in a blackish brown membrane.
6–8 leaves grow from the base, strap-shaped, 35–45 cm long and 2–2.5 cm wide.
The flower stalk is hollow and bears an umbel of 4–5 flowers.
The flowers are 6-petaled, 8–9 cm across, and bright red.
The fruit is a capsule, and the seeds are winged.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by dividing bulbs.
It can overwinter outdoors in regions without frost.
It grows well in any soil as long as the site is sunny and well drained.
It dislikes heavy fertilizing and excess moisture.
For potted plants, water thoroughly after the soil dries; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
Fertilize sparingly; if a base fertilizer is applied, none is needed afterward, but slow-release chemical fertilizer may be applied once a month from spring to early summer.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
