Schizostylis coccinea 'Viscountess Byng' — perennial

Overview

Schizostylis coccinea 'Viscountess Byng' is a perennial in the genus Schizostylis, part of the Iridaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 metres tall. Schizostylis coccinea 'Viscountess Byng' 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 'Viscountess Byng' is a perennial in the iris family that reaches about 0.6 metres and favours consistently moist sites. It suits sheltered positions in full sun or partial shade and performs in garden borders, water gardens and containers. Plant in a moist, well-drained soil and protect from exposed winds to keep stems upright. Its compact height makes it useful where a narrow vertical accent is wanted.

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 'Viscountess Byng' belongs to the Iridaceae and originates from Southern Africa and Zimbabwe. It is a perennial growing to around 0.6 metres and is best sited where the soil remains reliably moist but does not stagnate. The plant benefits from a sheltered aspect to reduce wind exposure. Choose a position in full sun or partial shade and work organic matter into the planting soil to improve moisture retention while maintaining good drainage. The species prefers moist, well-drained soil and an exposed, waterlogged site should be avoided; mulching will help conserve moisture through drier spells. Where space is limited, it performs well in containers provided the compost is kept evenly moist and the pot is placed in a sheltered spot. In UK terms the cultivar is rated H5, meaning it is hardy for most gardens and generally copes with typical winter conditions without winter protection. Use it at pond margins, in mixed borders where soil stays damp, or in tubs on patios where it can be given shelter from prevailing winds. Allowing soil to remain consistently moist will help Schizostylis coccinea 'Viscountess Byng' reach its 0.6 metres and suit borders, water gardens or containers.

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 'Viscountess Byng' 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 'Viscountess Byng'

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 'Viscountess Byng'?

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

Where is the best place to plant Schizostylis coccinea 'Viscountess Byng'?

Schizostylis coccinea 'Viscountess Byng' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Schizostylis coccinea 'Viscountess Byng' need?

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

How do I prune Schizostylis coccinea 'Viscountess Byng'?

Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming.

How big does Schizostylis coccinea 'Viscountess Byng' grow?

Schizostylis coccinea 'Viscountess Byng' reaches a height of 0.6 metres.

Is Schizostylis coccinea 'Viscountess Byng' hardy in the UK?

Schizostylis coccinea 'Viscountess Byng' 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 'Viscountess Byng'?

Division in spring or autumn, seed.

More in the Schizostylis genus

Browse all Schizostylis →