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Collection of three Hesperantha coccinea - Crimson Flag

Hesperantha coccinea Major, Alba, Rosea
Crimson Flag, Scarlet River Lily, African Corn Lily, Schizostylis

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Collection contains 3 plants

  • 1 x Schizostylis coccinea Major
  • 1 x Schizostylis coccinea Alba
  • 1 x Schizostylis coccinea Rosea

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

A collection composed of three varieties: Hesperantha coccinea 'Major', 'Alba', and 'Rosea'. These perennial plants offer late flowering, usually from September to November, in a range of colours from bright red to pure white, with a delicate pink variety. They prefer moist soil and a sunny exposure. The Cape lily is a plant of South African origin that cannot withstand frost below -11 °C. In cold regions, it will be necessary to protect the crown or grow it in a pot to overwinter it indoors.
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -9°C
Soil type
Clayey (heavy), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
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Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time March to June
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Flowering time September to November
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Collection items (3 plants)

Description

This Hesperantha collection, also known as Cape lilies, is interesting for its late flowering period, from September to November. These rhizomatous perennial plants from the iridaceae family come in three different colour varieties: Hesperantha coccinea 'Major' with bright red flowers, 'Alba' with white flowers, and Rosea with pink flowers. Their dense and spreading clumps of foliage persist more or less throughout winter. Apart from being relatively hardy, these plants are easy to grow in sunny, moist soils, both in flower beds and in pots. They can tolerate temperatures as low as -8/-10°C and prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils.

The collection consists of:

1 x Hesperantha coccinea 'Major': This variety stands out with its scarlet red flowers and can reach a height of 60 cm. It is ideal for adding a touch of intense colour in autumn.

1 x Hesperantha coccinea 'Alba': This elegant variety has pure white flowers. It is slightly shorter than its 'Major' counterpart, with a height of approximately 50 cm.

1 x Hesperantha coccinea 'Rosea': Its pink flowers give it a special charm, and it reaches a similar size to the 'Alba' variety, approximately 50 cm. It is perfect for enhancing the colour contrast within our Schizostylis collection.

The best time to plant these frost-tender perennials is in spring. They thrive in flower beds, borders, or containers. The 'Major' variety, which is slightly taller, should be placed at the back of the other two. Plan for 6 to 8 plants per square metre, with a distance of 30 to 40 cm between each plant.

To create a harmonious combination in a wet meadow or along a bank, associate this collection with plants that thrive in similar conditions. Lobelia fulgens 'Queen Victoria' with its dark red flowers and bronze foliage pairs perfectly with the red, pink, and white tones of the Cape lilies. Iris pseudacorus, with its bright yellow flowers, adds a touch of light to the ensemble. Carex elata 'Aurea', or golden sedge, enriches the textures and colours of the flower bed with its luminous foliage.

Flowering

Flower colour multicoloured
Flowering time September to November
Inflorescence Spike
Flower size 4 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms
Flowering description Thin flowering stems, each bearing 4 to 10 alternate flowers. Each flower is composed of 6 petals and measures approximately 3.5 to 4 cm in diameter.

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour green
Foliage description Trailing, ribbon-like leaves, of a bright green. They measure 1 cm wide and up to 40 cm in length.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 50 cm
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Hesperantha

Species

coccinea

Cultivar

Major, Alba, Rosea

Other common names

Crimson Flag, Scarlet River Lily, African Corn Lily, Schizostylis

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Planting and care

Plant the Cape Lily in a sunny location in humus-bearing or clayey soil that remains slightly moist, even waterlogged. Protect it from cold winds. Prune the foliage and cover the soil with organic mulch in winter in slightly cold regions. This plant appreciates humid areas, next to a pond, with the rootstock able to be planted up to 10 cm below the water surface. Hardiness: -8 to -10 °C at its lowest.

Cultivation in pots is possible, in a rich substrate kept moist. The pots will be overwintered frost-free, in a bright room or an unheated greenhouse. Reduce watering slightly in winter.

Dividing the clumps is necessary every 3 or 4 years, to prevent the plant from weakening.

The Cape Lily is not very susceptible to diseases and pests.

Planting period

Best planting time March to April
Recommended planting time March to June

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Pond edge
Type of use Border, Edge of border, Container, Greenhouse, Conservatory
Hardiness Hardy down to -9°C (USDA zone 8b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 6 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil, rich and fertile

Care

Pruning instructions To promote new flowers, regularly prune the faded flowers.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time September to October
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Needs protection

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