Crimson Flag Lily Hesperantha coccinea

Crimson River lily is a clump forming, rhizomatous, flowering perennial native to South Africa in the Iridaceae (iris family).  The genus name is derived from the Greek word hesperos, which means "evening", and anthos, meaning "flower" as it blooms at night. The species name coccinea means "scarlet" refering to the striking red color of the flowers.  In the wild, Crimson River lily is found in wet areas and beside streams, thus, it will tolerate poorly drained soils. The common name, Scarlet River lily comes from the fact that it is never found away from a wet or moist environment with a stream often running over and through the plants.

Plant in full sun or light shade in consistently moist loamy sand soils in a protected location sheltered from wind. Do not allow the soil to dry out while the plant is active, but moisture can be reduced when the plant is dormant in the winter. It may struggle in the heat and humidity of southern summers.  If rhizomes are kept in the ground overwinter, provide mulch to protect them from winter temperatures. Clumps will grow 1 to 2 feet tall and 1/2 to 1 1/2 feet wide. Unlike most species in this genus that are grown from corms, the Crimson River lily spread from rhizomes. However, propagation by division can be done in the spring. Crimson River lily is sometimes grown in pots that are brought indoors before first fall frost or you can dig the rhizomes up in fall and store them in a cool basement in peat moss that has only a touch of moisture.

Crimson River lily makes an excellent, unusual, long-lasting cut flower.  In a perennial border, it adds an exciting touch of red color in October and looks good combined with yellow goldenrods and blue asters.  Use in a meadow planting or naturalized area or tuck into a small space in the landscape.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 

No serious problems.

More information on Hesperantha.