Due to its large size, this species is unsuited to containers, but makes a most rewarding garden plant in temperate climates. It is especially well suited to large fynbos gardens, displayed between rocks and low-growing leucadendrons, leucospermums, ericas, buchus and restios. It also provides a welcome splash of colour in parks and office block landscapes or planted in bold groups on traffic islands. The many bright red flowers produced on the main stem and side branches command attention for two to three weeks, and the nectar-filled blooms attract sunbirds. Even when plants are not in flower, the robust, bright green leaves with their contrasting brownish yellow or reddish margins remain an attraction.

This species requires full sun, a well drained acid soil containing plenty of well decomposed compost, and heavy drenching from autumn to late spring. Plant corms in autumn (March to May) such that the top of the corm rests 50 mm below soil level; the corms have to be planted deeply enough to prevent the plants falling over in strong wind. Cut back the dead leaves and flower stems in mid-summer, and keep the corms as dry as possible until autumn. Allow the corms to remain undisturbed for about five years; lift them, remove offsets and replant them as soon as possible. Remove the old corm 'stacks' that form underneath the current (uppermost) corm and some of the thick outer corm tunics. This species is half-hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to freezing, for short periods.

Propagation is achieved by corm offsets and seed. Remove offsets at any time during the summer dormant period or in early autumn, just prior to planting. Sow seeds in autumn in deep seed trays or seed beds, in a mixture of equal parts of washed industrial (silica) sand or river sand mixed with fine compost or loam. Fresh seeds germinate within three weeks. Allow seedlings to remain in their trays for two growing seasons, then lift the young corms and replant into permanent positions in the garden in the autumn of their third season. During their fourth spring season, the first flowers will appear, in ideal conditions. Snails and caterpillars sometimes feed on the leaves, and the corms may at times become infested with mealy bugs.