Hesperantha

Hesperantha is a genus of 91 perennial, cormous, flowering plants native to Africa in the Iridaceae (iris) family. Most members of this genus grow from semi-evergreen corms.  The name is derived from the Greek word hesperos, which means "evening", and anthos, meaning "flower" as it blooms at night.

Clumps of erect stems with grassy leaves and showy blooms that resemble lilies appear in late summer through winter.  They are flowering when little else is going on in the landscape providing much needed late season color. The flowers are radially symmetrical and divide at the mouth of the flower tube into three branches that spread over the tepals. Most plants are short, 7 inches tall or less. A number of them open late in the afternoon or early evening and those are often very fragrant.

These plants needs full sun to partial shade and well-drained but moisture-retentive soil. They do not tolerate dry soil. Plant at a depth of 2 inches and add a layer of organic mulch each summer.  It is classified as Tender III - injured below 25 degrees F so it does best in a sheltered location in the landscape.  Propagate the plants through seed or division in the fall.  Rhizomes are challenging to store over winter.  If stored, place rhizomes in moist peat at 45 degrees F.

The flowers make an excellent addition to a cutting or cottage garden, or mass plant them along a walkway or patio to enjoy their late season blooms.  They also work well planted in containers or any other small space.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests.