Scadoxus multiflorus ssp. katherinae

(syn: Haemanthus katherinae) Scadoxus has been one of the greatest surprises in our hardiness trials. Despite enduring temperatures as low as 0 degrees F since the mid-1990s, the torch lily has returned each year. In early July, the 1' tall flower spike emerges overnight, topped with a tiny reddish bud that quickly explodes like a skyward firework into a 6-8", fuzzy red fireball. During flowering, the 1' tall, glossy green, strappy leaves emerge from the ground on short green stalks forming a hosta-like clump that lasts throughout the summer. A bed of torch lilies is sure to cause visitors to do a double take.