Overview
Schizostylis coccinea 'Rosalie' is a perennial in the genus Schizostylis, part of the Iridaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 metres tall. Schizostylis coccinea 'Rosalie' 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, containers and water gardens. It is native to Southern Africa and Zimbabwe.
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 'Rosalie' is a perennial member of the Iridaceae from Southern Africa and Zimbabwe, reaching roughly 0.6 metres. It carries slim, upright foliage topped by erect flowering spikes that appear from late summer into autumn, extending the season when many summer perennials are past their best. Plant it in a spot that receives full sun or partial shade and offers a degree of shelter from strong winds; exposure matters because the flower spikes sit above narrow leaves. Soil should be moist yet well drained — this cultivar will not perform in either drought-prone dry soil or in permanently waterlogged ground. In UK terms it is H5, hardy in most gardens, but benefits from a sheltered aspect and consistent moisture through the growing season. Use Schizostylis coccinea 'Rosalie' at the back of a mixed border for late-season colour, in a deep container kept consistently moist, or on the margins of water features where the soil remains damp but drains. The upright spikes are useful where you want vertical late-summer and autumn colour without much height, and they sit distinctly above the foliage when in flower.
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 'Rosalie' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Height
- 0.6 metres
- Suggested uses
- borders, containers, water gardens
- Native to
- Southern Africa, Zimbabwe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Schizostylis coccinea 'Rosalie'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Protect from harsh winds.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn, seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Schizostylis coccinea 'Rosalie'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Protect from harsh winds.
Where is the best place to plant Schizostylis coccinea 'Rosalie'?
Schizostylis coccinea 'Rosalie' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Schizostylis coccinea 'Rosalie' need?
Schizostylis coccinea 'Rosalie' grows best in moist and well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Schizostylis coccinea 'Rosalie'?
Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
How big does Schizostylis coccinea 'Rosalie' grow?
Schizostylis coccinea 'Rosalie' reaches a height of 0.6 metres.
Is Schizostylis coccinea 'Rosalie' hardy in the UK?
Schizostylis coccinea 'Rosalie' 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 'Rosalie'?
Division in spring or autumn, seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Schizostylis genus
- Schizostylis coccineariver lily, crimson flag lily

- Schizostylis coccinea 'Major'River Lily

- Schizostylis coccinea 'Mrs Hegarty'Lily

- Schizostylis coccinea 'November Cheer'River Lily

- Schizostylis coccinea 'Professor Barnard'Lily

- Schizostylis coccinea 'Sunrise'River Lily

- Schizostylis coccinea 'Tambara'

- Schizostylis coccinea 'Viscountess Byng'
