Crimson Flag Lily Hesperantha coccinea 'Salmon Charm'
ABOUT
Hesperantha coccinea 'Salmon Charm', commonly known as river lily, is noted for its distinctive and attractive flowers. The blooms exhibit a salmon pink hue, presenting a soft and alluring charm. These flowers are star-shaped, radiating outwards with thin, elongated petals that have a slightly ruffled appearance, adding to their whimsical aesthetic. The flowers are borne on slender, upright stems that emerge from a basal clump of narrow, lance-shaped leaves. These leaves are glossy and dark green, providing a lush and verdant backdrop for the salmon pink blossoms that rise above them. The river lily blooms profusely, creating a vibrant display that can add a splash of color to gardens or landscapes. Overall, the river lily 'Salmon Charm' is admired for its graceful flowers and foliage, which together create a picture of elegance and delicate beauty, making it a favored choice for garden enthusiasts seeking to infuse their spaces with a touch of gentle color and natural charm.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae.
Synonyms
Crimson Flag Lily, River Lily, Kaffir Lily.
Common names
Schizostylis coccinea 'Salmon Charm'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Hesperantha coccinea 'Salmon Charm' is River Lily. The River Lily is not widely known for being toxic to humans. However, like with many plants, it may cause a mild stomach upset if ingested. As with any garden plant, it's generally advisable for humans to avoid eating ornamental plants since they are not typically grown for consumption, and their edibility and potential effects are not well-established. If any parts of the plant are ingested and symptoms occur, medical advice should be sought.
To pets
For pets, the River Lily is not specifically listed as a toxic plant. However, as with humans, it is generally recommended to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not intended for consumption. If a pet were to eat parts of the River Lily, they might experience gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet displays any adverse reactions after ingesting this plant, it is important to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Salmon
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Produces salmon-colored blooms that add a vibrant charm to gardens and landscapes.
- Extended Blooming Season: Offers a prolonged flowering period from late summer to autumn, providing color when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the local ecosystem.
- Easy Maintenance: Known for being low-maintenance, it requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought resistance, which is beneficial in drier climates or during water restrictions.
- Cut Flower Use: The blooms make excellent cut flowers for arrangements, bringing the beauty of the garden indoors.
- Versatile Planting: Suitable for borders, containers, and waterside planting, providing flexibility in garden design.
- Suitable for Mass Planting: Can be planted in large groups for a striking display of color in the landscape.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of withstanding colder temperatures, which is beneficial for gardens in cooler climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting Ink: The petals of the River lily can be used to create a natural dye for crafting inks, adding a unique and organic touch to calligraphy or artwork.
- Botanical Art: Pressed flowers of the River lily can be incorporated into botanical art pieces for their bright colors and attractive shapes.
- Garden Photography: As an especially photogenic plant, the River lily makes an excellent subject for garden photography and can enhance the aesthetic of photo collections.
- Floral Arranging Classes: River lily blooms can be used in floral arranging workshops, teaching participants how to incorporate the vibrant flowers into various designs.
- Educational Tool: The River lily can serve as an educational tool in botany classes, demonstrating plant structure and life cycles to students.
- Companion Planting: Planted alongside vegetables, the River lily can attract pollinators, which may help to increase the yields of the surrounding crops.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The vibrant colors of the River lily petals can be used as a natural fabric dye for textiles, promoting sustainable fashion practices.
- Culinary Decoration: Edible varieties of the River lily can be used to decorate cakes and desserts, adding an elegant floral touch.
- Thematic Landscaping: The River lily's striking appearance can be used to create a 'salmon charm' color theme in gardens and landscape designs.
- Perfumery: The River lily can be a source of inspiration for perfumers seeking to replicate its delicate scent in fragrances, though the plant itself is not commonly used in perfume production.
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- Love and Affection: The rich, warm color of the Hesperantha coccinea 'Salmon Charm', commonly known as the River Lily, often symbolizes deep love and affection, akin to the way red and pink flowers are used to denote romantic feelings.
- Endurance and Survival: The River Lily is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions, representing the human qualities of endurance and the ability to survive through difficulties.
- Overcoming Challenges: The way this plant can grow in challenging conditions also makes it a symbol of overcoming life’s challenges with grace and beauty.
- Freshness and Vitality: The bright salmon-colored blooms of the River Lily bring a sense of freshness and vitality, symbolizing new beginnings or a fresh start in life.
WaterThe Crimson Flag Lily should be watered deeply to ensure moisture reaches the root zone, about once a week during the growing season, increasing the frequency during hot, dry spells. In general, aim to provide about one inch of water weekly. Saturating the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches encourages deep root growth. During dormant periods in late fall and winter, reduce watering significantly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
LightThe Crimson Flag Lily thrives best in full sun to partial shade. A location that offers morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled light throughout the day, is ideal to protect its blooms from the intense afternoon sun. Avoid deep shade locations, as too little light can lead to poor flowering performance.
TemperatureThe Crimson Flag Lily does well within a temperature range of 50°F to 75°F, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to 20°F. However, during active growth in spring and summer, maintain the ideal temperature within the higher end of the spectrum to encourage vigorous growth and blooming.
PruningPrune the Crimson Flag Lily after flowering has finished, usually in late summer or early fall. Removing spent flowers and any dead or damaged foliage will encourage a tidy appearance and may promote a secondary bloom. Pruning is also an opportunity to thin out overcrowded clumps to improve air circulation, which is important for preventing disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe River Lily requires well-draining soil with a mix of loam and sand. Add organic compost for nutrients and peat to retain moisture. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 to 7.0 to ensure optimal growth for 'Salmon Charm'.
RepottingRiver Lilies should be repotted every 2-3 years to provide fresh soil and prevent root crowding. Spring is the best time to repot 'Salmon Charm' to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingRiver Lilies thrive in moderate to high humidity levels, with ideal conditions around 60-70%. The 'Salmon Charm' variety will benefit from being misted or placed near a humidifier if indoor air is dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area without direct sun; keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, water regularly, protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleHesperantha coccinea 'Salmon Charm', commonly known as Crimson Flag, typically begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in early spring, requiring moist soil and some warmth to trigger growth. The seedlings soon develop a rosette of long, narrow leaves, and as the plant matures, it forms an underground rhizome, which serves as a storage organ and allows the plant to perennialize. In late summer to early autumn, tall stems arise from the base, bearing star-shaped salmon-pink colored flowers that open from the bottom upwards in the late afternoon and evening. Following pollination, which is often facilitated by moths or bees drawn to the nectar-rich blooms, the flowers develop into capsules containing seeds. As temperatures cool and daylight wanes, the plant's above-ground foliage starts to wither and die back, retreating into dormancy over winter. The rhizome survives underground, storing energy for the next growing season, thereby completing its life cycle and preparing to start anew with the return of warmer weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method for propagating Hesperantha coccinea 'Salmon Charm', also known as the Salmon Charm river lily, is by division. The ideal time to do this is in spring, just as new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of plants with a garden fork, minimizing root damage. Then, gently tease apart the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one growing point. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 15 inches (approximately 38 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. Water them well after planting to help them establish. This method allows for the river lily's clumps to increase in number swiftly, thereby expanding your garden display or stocking up for sharing with fellow gardeners.
