Scadoxus, a flaming exotic flower, is also known in the Netherlands as ‘Powder brush’ or ‘Blood lily’. Just like the eucharis, scadoxus is a genus from the narcissus family (Amaryllidaceae). The species is originally from Africa, where it is mostly found in the south. It has a close relationship with the haemanthus, therefore the names are often incorrectly used interchangeably.

Visit at the nursery

Scadoxus is exclusively grown by Dutch grower René de Koning. When René was given the opportunity in 2004 to take over the company from a then existing scadoxus grower, the decision was quickly made. He just had to grow such an exclusive crop! In 2016, René entered into a partnership with Hans Könst and Tjerk Vening from Könst Alstroemeria. Together they hope to bring the scadoxus to a larger audience and to make it more internationally known. A new business venture also requires a new name. From 1 April 2019 the company is called Kings Art Flowers and the products will therefore also be auctioned under that name.

A piece of history!

In 1976 the haemanthus and scadoxus were officially recognized as two separate species based on the morphological differences between the two genera; in particular the bulb type, the leaves and the inflorescence. The scadoxus can be divided into two groups, namely the multiflores and the puniceus. The multiflores has several open flowers and the outer leaves open completely. The puniceus, on the other hand, is a flower that does not open completely. Both groups are grown at the nursery in several varieties. The difference between the two is clearly visible (see the photos)

Spotlight

In this week's spotlight, we do not have one special variety of a certain product, but rather the scadoxus as a general group. Several different varieties are grown at the nursery; one with green and the other with variegated bracts, one with an orange brush and the other with a more salmon-colored brush. FloraPodium thought it was an excellent opportunity to put the scadoxus, which is still a relatively unknown product, in the spotlight in its entirety.

The scadoxus is a bulb that can be grown fairly easily. The most important requirement is a lot of patience.

The proces of cultivation

From seedling to flowering bulb will take about 4 to 5 years. The flower production of Kings Art Flowers is grown outdoors in Hoogwoud. By heating different parts of the greenhouse, flowering can be forced. The bulb production takes place in Kenya; here the bulbs for scadoxus are grown in pots.

In general, a scadoxus prefers a temperate climate with high humidity. In African countries you will mainly see them blooming in and around the rainy season. After flowering, the crop develops further, remaining green almost all year round. When the crop dies, a new flower presses through this old crop. The bulbs for flower production stay in the ground for around 4 years. They are then cleared because by then the bed has grown full of side bulbs. After these side bulbs have been removed, they are "cooked" at 47 ° C and planted again almost immediately.

Transport

The most difficult part of selling scadoxus is transportation. Not because they are difficult to transport, but because a scadoxus is heavy! Certainly when considering air freight you will find that transportation is very expensive. The bulbs that come back from Kenya travel in a conditioned container and are therefore on the road for about 6 weeks.

Breeding

Breeding for the scadoxus is carried out by Könst Alstroemeria. They started two years ago, so it’s still early days to determine whether this will work. They are not expected to change color quickly, although there is also a white scadoxus. Here the focus is more on potted varieties.

FloraPodium, 18 April 2019