Collection of three Hesperantha coccinea - Crimson Flag

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.