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Herbaceous PerennialConservatory Greenhouse

Hesperantha coccinea

crimson flag lily

A vigorous semi-evergreen perennial quickly forming a clump of erect, grassy foliage, with bowl-shaped scarlet flowers 4cm wide in autumn on spikes to 60cm tall

Other common names
crimson flag
scarlet river lily
Synonyms
Schizostylis coccinea
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Red Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Iridaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Hesperantha are semi-evergreen, rhizomatous perennials with narrowly sword-shaped, erect leaves and spikes of starry or bowl-shaped flowers from late summer to late autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Zimbabwe to S Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Shelter from cold drying winds; provide an organic mulch in winter

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering, cut down stems after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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