Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, well-draining sandy loams in full sun to part shade. Hardy in Zones 7-10. Can also be overwintered indoors in colder climates by providing plenty of bright, direct sun. Will go dormant in summer but still requires some moisture. Propagate with fresh seed or offsets.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Rhodophiala bifida, commonly called oxblood lily, is native to Uruguay, and north-eastern Argentina. Mature plants will reach up to 1-1.5' tall when in bloom and will spread through offsets to form 2-3' wide clumps. The bulbs are dark brown to black in color and will reach 1-1.5" wide. Plants bloom in late summer or fall in shades of red to pink or rarely white. The upright flower stalks hold 3-6, outward facing, 2" long, funnel-shaped blooms. Narrow, linear leaves reaching 1' long emerge after blooming and are retained until plants go dormant in late spring. Synonymous with Hippeastrum bifidum, Amaryllis bifida, Habranthus bifidus, and Zephyranthes bifida.
The genus name Rhodophiala means "rose or red drinking vessel or saucer" in reference to the color and shape of the blooms
The specific epithet bifida means "two-cleft", in reference to the two, deeply cleft bracts that surround the flower buds.
The common name oxblood lily refers to the color of the blooms.
'Carmencita' is an early blooming selection of oxblood lily that will flower in late summer. The 1' tall flower stalks are topped with 4-7 striking red blooms with a contrasting pale pink to white stripe down the center of each tepal.
Problems
No major disease problems of note. Bulb scale mite and narcissus bulb fly may be problematic.
Uses
Mixed beds, borders, rock gardens. Can be grown in a container and overwintered indoors.