Oxblood Lilies Wrapping Up

Published Wednesday, September 26, 2007 by Chris | 0 Comments | E-mail this post

It’s starting to cool down and the final oxblood lilies are making their appearances. The oxblood lily was introduced into Texas from Argentina around the turn of the 20th century, and few amaryllids have matched the ranges of adaptation. It is sometimes referred to as the schoolhouse lily, because it blooms about the time school starts, although many schools now actually start earlier in August. This vermillion harbinger of fall comes up in lawns, paddocks, empty fields, and nicely manicured beds.

Many thanks to the 1850’s German immigrant/plantsman Heinrich Oberwetter of New Braunfels, Texas for introducing and passing along this horticultural jewel.