Schizostylis coccinea 'Mrs Hegarty' (Lily) — perennial

Overview

Schizostylis coccinea 'Mrs Hegarty' is a perennial in the genus Schizostylis, part of the Iridaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 metres tall. Schizostylis coccinea 'Mrs Hegarty' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained 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 'Mrs Hegarty' is a perennial in the iris family that grows to about 0.6 metres and prefers moist, sheltered sites. It performs well in full sun or partial shade and favours moist, well-drained soil. Plant it where roots can remain damp, making it suitable for borders, water gardens and containers. Position in a sheltered spot to protect stems and root growth through the seasons.

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 'Mrs Hegarty' belongs to the Iridaceae and originates from Southern Africa and Zimbabwe. As a perennial reaching roughly 0.6 metres, it is valued where reliably moist conditions can be provided; those origins inform its preference for damp but well-drained ground and a sheltered aspect. Give this plant full sun or partial shade and keep soil consistently moist rather than dry. It tolerates typical UK outdoor conditions at an H5 rating, so it is classed as hardy, but it benefits from a settled, protected position against cold winds. Planting in organically enriched soil will help retain moisture while still allowing drainage. Use Schizostylis coccinea 'Mrs Hegarty' at the front or middle of a border where its height will not be overwhelmed, or site it alongside ponds and water features where the ground stays damp. It also adapts to large containers provided the compost is kept evenly moist. Because it reaches about 0.6 metres, allow spacing that gives air around the clump and room for the root system to remain damp without stagnating.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Schizostylis

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

Plant details

Schizostylis coccinea 'Mrs Hegarty' 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 'Mrs Hegarty'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Protect from harsh winds.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to tidy the plant and encourage new growth.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Schizostylis coccinea 'Mrs Hegarty'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Protect from harsh winds.

Where is the best place to plant Schizostylis coccinea 'Mrs Hegarty'?

Schizostylis coccinea 'Mrs Hegarty' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Schizostylis coccinea 'Mrs Hegarty' need?

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

How do I prune Schizostylis coccinea 'Mrs Hegarty'?

Cut back after flowering to tidy the plant and encourage new growth.

How big does Schizostylis coccinea 'Mrs Hegarty' grow?

Schizostylis coccinea 'Mrs Hegarty' reaches a height of 0.6 metres.

Is Schizostylis coccinea 'Mrs Hegarty' hardy in the UK?

Schizostylis coccinea 'Mrs Hegarty' 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 'Mrs Hegarty'?

Division in spring or autumn.

More in the Schizostylis genus

Browse all Schizostylis →