Schizostylis coccinea (river lily, crimson flag lily) — perennial

Overview

Schizostylis coccinea is a perennial in the genus Schizostylis, part of the Iridaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 metres tall. Schizostylis coccinea grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soil soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, water gardens and containers. It is native to Southern Africa and Zimbabwe.

About

Schizostylis coccinea is a perennial in the iris family that produces red, occasionally pink or white, six-petalled flowers on upright stems to about 0.6 metres. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and tolerates full sun to partial shade. Classed H5 (hardy), it suits damp situations where its blooms can be shown off. Use it in borders, at pond edges or in containers.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hesperantha coccinea

About the genus

Hesperantha is a genus of cormous flowering plants in the family Iridaceae. The genus name is derived from the Greek words hesperos, meaning "evening", and anthos, meaning "flower".

In the garden

Schizostylis coccinea belongs to the Iridaceae and originates from Southern Africa and Zimbabwe. As a perennial it reaches roughly 0.6 metres and is grown for its narrow-leaved clumps and terminal spray of red, sometimes pink or white, flowers. The genus carries a clear architectural line that works well where moisture can be kept consistent. Plant in a spot that receives full sun or light afternoon shade and use a soil that stays moist but drains freely; heavy, waterlogged ground will not suit long-term. It is rated H5 (hardy), so it will survive normal UK winters in most gardens. Allow soil to remain evenly moist through the growing season rather than drying out completely between waterings. Schizostylis coccinea fits borders, water-garden margins and large containers where wetter soils are acceptable. Grouped at the pond edge or paired with other moisture-loving perennials it provides vertical blooms at about 0.6 metres tall; that height makes it useful for lifting colour above lower plants without overwhelming a border.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Schizostylis

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: moist, well-drained soil
Soil moisture: moist
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Schizostylis coccinea size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Height: 0.6 metres
Suggested uses: borders, water gardens, containers
Native to: Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Schizostylis coccinea

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates damp conditions and can be grown near water.
Pruning: Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage after flowering season.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Schizostylis coccinea?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates damp conditions and can be grown near water.

Where is the best place to plant Schizostylis coccinea?

Schizostylis coccinea prefers full sun and partial shade.

What soil does Schizostylis coccinea need?

Schizostylis coccinea grows best in moist and well-drained soil soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Schizostylis coccinea?

Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage after flowering season.

How big does Schizostylis coccinea grow?

Schizostylis coccinea reaches a height of 0.6 metres.

Is Schizostylis coccinea hardy in the UK?

Schizostylis coccinea has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Schizostylis coccinea?

Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common.

More in the Schizostylis genus

Browse all Schizostylis →