LIFE CYCLE
Annual
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
climbing habit
GROWTH HABIT
Climbing / vining
BLOOM SEASON
Winter to spring
FLAVOUR PROFILE
Ornamental
SUITABLE FOR
Outdoor
SEED TYPE
Open-pollinated seeds
PLANT TYPE
Annual flowering plant
PLANTING SEASON
Spring
FRUIT SIZE
Not listed
PLANT HEIGHT
Medium-tall
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Full sun
WATER NEEDS
High moisture
HARDINESS ZONES
USDA 6–9
CONTAINER GARDEN
Yes
PLANT SPACING
30–45 cm
PLANTING DEPTH
Surface
GROWING CONDITIONS
Moist
Frequently Asked Questions
The listing describes this as "climbing/vining" — is that accurate?
The listing describes this as "climbing/vining" — is that accurate?
No, that appears to be an error; this plant is a clump-forming rhizomatous perennial, not a climber, and doesn't produce vines or need climbing support.
Is "Schizostylis" still the correct scientific name?
Is "Schizostylis" still the correct scientific name?
This plant has been botanically reclassified into the genus Hesperantha, so Hesperantha coccinea is now the more current accepted name, though Schizostylis remains widely used in the trade.
Why is late-season blooming considered a special feature of this plant?
Why is late-season blooming considered a special feature of this plant?
It flowers in autumn when many other perennials have finished, making it valued for extending garden color into the cooler months.
Why does this plant need consistently moist soil rather than typical well-drained conditions?
Why does this plant need consistently moist soil rather than typical well-drained conditions?
It naturally grows along streamsides in South Africa, so it's adapted to damp soil rather than the drier conditions many perennials prefer.
Is this a true lily, given the common name?
Is this a true lily, given the common name?
No, despite "lily" appearing in some common names, this plant belongs to the iris family (Iridaceae), not the true lily family (Liliaceae).
Is the older common name for this plant still commonly used?
Is the older common name for this plant still commonly used?
The traditional common name for this plant is now considered outdated and offensive in South African context, so "Crimson flag lily" is the preferred modern common name in current use.