Crimson Flag Lily Hesperantha coccinea 'Jennifer'
ABOUT
The Jennifer variety of Hesperantha coccinea, commonly known as the crimson flag lily, is an ornamental flowering plant notable for its striking appearance. The plant features a clump of grass-like, dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the showy, star-shaped flowers. The blooms are a deep, vibrant red or sometimes a slightly softer shade with a slight sheen, which gives them a satin-like appearance under sunlight. Each flower possesses six petal-like segments that spread outwards, forming an almost circular shape. The blossoms are carried on slender, upright stems that rise above the foliage. These flowers are known to open in the evening and close the next morning, displaying a unique temporal beauty. The crimson flag lily's blossoms are frequented by pollinators and are especially attractive in gardens or as cut flowers due to their vivid hue and delicate form.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
River Lily, Crimson Flag, Scarlet River Lily, Kaffir Lily
Common names
Schizostylis coccinea 'Jennifer'
ToxicityTo humans
Hesperantha coccinea, commonly known as "Crimson Flag", is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to humans. There are no well-documented toxic effects or specific symptoms associated with the ingestion of this plant in humans, as it is generally considered non-toxic. However, as with any plant not intended for consumption, it's always prudent to exercise caution and keep plants out of reach of children, who might try to eat them out of curiosity.
To pets
Crimson Flag is not commonly listed as toxic to pets. However, individual animals can sometimes have allergies or reactions to plants that are generally considered non-toxic. It is recommended to monitor your pets and prevent them from ingesting any plant material, as it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset even if the plant is not known to be poisonous. If you suspect your pet has ingested Crimson Flag and is showing unusual symptoms, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Hesperantha coccinea 'Jennifer' draws in bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollination.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vivid red flowers, it adds a splash of color to gardens, enhancing visual interest.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond basic watering and occasional feeding, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
- Tolerates Poor Soil: Able to grow in less fertile soil conditions, which can be beneficial in challenging garden spaces.
- Cut Flower Use: The blooms make excellent cut flowers for arrangements due to their long vase life and striking appearance.
- Seasonal Interest: Flowers in late summer to fall, providing color when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Wildlife Habitat: Offers shelter and food resources for a variety of wildlife, such as small mammals and birds.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it has good tolerance to dry conditions, requiring less watering and care.
- Compact Growth: Its relatively small size makes it appropriate for borders or small garden beds without risking overcrowding.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ideally suited as a subject for botanical illustration and watercolor painting due to its striking red flowers, which offer a vibrant subject for artists interested in depicting flora.
- Can be utilized in photography to provide a rich, contrasting background or focal point in garden and nature compositions.
- Used in educational settings such as schools and botanical gardens to demonstrate plant growth cycles and pollinator attraction due to its consistent flowering pattern.
- Suitable for use in floral arrangements and bouquets, particularly in autumn-themed decorations, as the flowers have a long vase life.
- Often included in wildlife gardens to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, thus supporting local biodiversity.
- Employed as a living mulch when planted densely, helping to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture in gardens.
- Appreciated as a seasonal indicator in temperate climates as its blooming often signifies the onset of autumn.
- Frequently used in eco-friendly landscaping practices due to its low water requirement once established, promoting water conservation.
- Can serve as a natural dye source; the red pigments of the flowers may be used in traditional textile coloring processes.
- Occasionally used in culinary settings as an edible flower to garnish salads and desserts, adding a vibrant, peppery flavor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Crimson Flag Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Crimson Flag Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Enduring Love: The rich, red hues of the Hesperantha coccinea, commonly known as the Crimson Flag or Kaffir Lily, symbolize a deep, enduring love that withstands the test of time.
- Vitality: Blooming vibrantly, this plant suggests a sense of vitality and energy, representing the lively spirit within each individual.
- Resilience: As a plant that can thrive in varying conditions, the Crimson Flag is a symbol of resilience and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Beauty and Fertility: With its attractive flowers often found near water, it is sometimes associated with beauty and fertility, celebrating creation and growth.
WaterFor the Cape Lily, it is essential to maintain even soil moisture, especially during the blooming season. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to provide the Cape Lily with approximately one gallon of water weekly, adjusting for rainfall and temperature fluctuations. During hot, dry periods, increase the frequency of watering to prevent the soil from drying out, while during cooler, wetter seasons, reduce the amount to prevent overwatering.
LightThe Cape Lily thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It's ideal to place the plant in a spot where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight a day, though a bit of afternoon shade can be beneficial in areas with very intense sun. Avoid deep shade as this can lead to poor bloom production and weaker growth.
TemperatureThe Cape Lily prefers temperatures that hover around 60-75°F for optimal growth. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 20°F when dormant in the winter; however, prolonged exposure to temperatures below this can be harmful. During the growing season, protect the plant from extreme heat by providing afternoon shade or mulch to help keep the root zone cooler.
PruningPruning the Cape Lily is primarily done to remove spent flowers and maintain plant health. Deadhead the flowers once they fade to encourage further blooming and to prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. After blooming has finished for the season, typically in late fall, cut back the foliage to help direct the plant's energy into the roots for the next year’s growth. Pruning is also a good opportunity to shape the plant and remove any damaged or diseased tissue.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCrimson flag lily thrives in a well-draining, loamy to sandy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. A blend of two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part compost or peat moss will create an ideal environment. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter for optimum growth.
RepottingCrimson flag lily should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil. It's best to repot in the spring before the growing season starts to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingCrimson flag lily prefers moderate humidity levels. While it can tolerate some degree of variance in humidity, consistent conditions that simulate its native South African habitat are ideal.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Hesperantha coccinea 'Jennifer' is Crimson Flag Lily. The life cycle of the Crimson Flag Lily begins with seed germination, typically in the spring, when temperatures become suitable for growth. Following germination, the plant develops a root system and foliage through vegetative growth, establishing itself during the growing season. As it matures, the Crimson Flag Lily forms characteristic sword-shaped leaves and eventually produces striking red or pink flowers that typically bloom from late summer to fall. After pollination, which is often aided by nocturnal moths attracted to the flowers, the plant sets seed for the next generation. During the winter months in colder climates, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, and it enters a period of dormancy, relying on its corm to survive until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Hesperantha coccinea 'Jennifer', commonly known as Scarlet River Lily or occasionally referred to as Crimson Flag, is typically propagated by division. This is most successfully done in spring as the weather becomes warmer, promoting new growth. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clumps of corms from the ground after the plant has finished flowering and the foliage has started to die back. Gently separate the corms by hand, ensuring each division has at least one growth point. Replant the divisions immediately at a spacing of about 8 inches (roughly 20 centimeters) apart, at the same depth they were growing previously. Water them in well, and maintain regular watering especially during dry spells to help establish the new plants. Division helps to rejuvenate overgrown clumps, encourage more vigorous growth, and increase your stock of the plants.
