Cobra Lily Chasmanthe

Chasmanthe or the African Corn Flag is a genus of herbaceous perennial flowering plants that contains 3 accepted species, native to the coastal regions of the Cape Provinces of South Africa. These plants may grow up to 4 feet tall, depending on the species, and have erect stems, long, narrow green leaves, and vibrant, spiked flowers of yellow, orange, or red. Chasmanthe, is derived from two Greek words, chasme, meaning gaping, and antros, meaning flower. These plants belong to the iris family (Iridaceae).

Plants of this genus thrive in full sun and USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 to 11. They are tolerant of a variety of soils as long as adequate drainage is provided. They are drought-tolerant once established. They rapidly reproduce by corms, but the corms will not survive temperatures below 25 degrees F. In colder climates, container planting is recommended. Use a terra cotta pot filled with a good quality potting medium, including sand and gravel to promote adequate drainage, and plant the corms 4 inches deep. During the winter, place the container in a bright, cool area and avoid watering during its dormant stage. When grown outdoors in its native habitat, the corms are dormant during the summer and reemerge when cool temperatures return. Division of the corms is recommended about every 3 to 4 years.

The leaves grow in fan-shaped clusters with long blades and are bright green, linear, with entire margins. The flowers appear on a spike and have 20 to 30 blossoms. Each flower is about 1 to 3 inches long, curved, showy, and attracts pollinators. Flowering occurs from March to April. The flowers are followed by capsules that contain seeds. 

The showy, bright flowers of the African Corn Flag will bring color to your garden or patio. In North Carolina, consider using them as a container planting since they will not survive our winters. In milder climates, they may be planted outdoors.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for aphids. These plants can become weedy and spread rapidly when planted in favorable environments.