Schizostylis Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 25th Oct 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Schizostylis plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Crimson Flag Lily, and River Lily: Cultivation & Garden Use

Schizostylis plants are hardy perennials that reach about 60 cm (24 inches) in height.

They bloom from the end of summer through autumn (they make a great plant to bring color to your Fall garden). Plants carry cup shaped flowers of red or pink. These are are carried on spikes.

Hesperantha coccinea (Crimson flag lily), picture by Megan Hansen; CC.

Note this genus, with the sole member Schizostylis coccinea, has been reclassified into the 79 strong Hesperantha genus. It is thus also known as Hesperantha coccinea. The use of Schizostylis is still in common use among gardener's.

Schizostylis by Wallygrom.

Enhance the beauty and health of your Schizostylis by pairing it with these ideal companion plants with complementary aesthetics and similar growing requirements: Japanese Iris, Hosta plantaginea, Japanese Holly Fern, Lobelia, slender leaved grasses like Silvergrass and Fountaingrasses, and Astilbe plants.

How to Grow Crimson Flag Lily and other Schizostylis Plants

Schizostylis plants can be grown from tubers or seeds. Tubers should be buried at about 5 cm (2 inches) deep in the spring.

Seed should be sown before the last frost of spring, and lightly covered with topsoil.

They can grow in either sunny or partially shaded conditions and requires an area of the garden that has good drainage.

Ideally the soil that the lily grows in will be rich, moist and have a PH that is neutral to slightly acidic.

Schizostylis coccinea (River Lily), photograph by peganum; CC.

If you plan to start off indoors then do so about two or three months in advance (they need to be transplanted just after the last frost of spring).

It should take from one to three months for seeds to germinate at a temperature of 12 to 15 degrees centigrade (54 to 59°F). Once ready, transplant outdoors at about 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches apart.

River Lily (Crimson flag lily), Image by Peter Stevens; CC.

Schizostylis Plant Care

Crimson flag lily and other Schizostylis take a little looking after. It is best to grow them in an area that does not receive much wind.

If growing from tubers, then supply a mulch in the first winter to protect the plant from cold.

In all cases supply a mulch in spring to help keep the soil cool. These lilies should ideally be fed in the spring, and a further two times whilst growing.

Schizostylis plants likes to grow in a moist soil, so keep well watered in dry spells. To maintain vigorous growth divide the plant every three years.

If you require more plants then propagate by division in the spring ensuring to leave five eyes.

Commonly Grown Schizostylis / Hesperantha Cultivars

Schizostylis coccinea 'alba'

Schizostylis coccinea cultivar 'Alba' photograph by Esther Westerveld; CC.

Hesperantha coccinea 'Cindy Towe'

Hesperantha coccinea Cultivar 'Cindy Towe' photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking; CC.

Common Questions

How many members does the Schizostylis genus have?

The Schizostylis genus, now reclassified as Hesperantha, contains approximately 79 species.

Do members of Schizostylis make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Schizostylis species make excellent garden plants. They are prized for their late-season, star-shaped flowers and graceful, sword-like foliage.

Which Schizostylis species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The species most frequently grown by gardeners is Schizostylis coccinea (now Hesperantha coccinea), also known as the River Lily.

Are members of the Schizostylis plant genus fragrant?

While they are known for their attractive flowers, Schizostylis species are not typically known for their fragrance.

What is the perfect location to grow Schizostylis?

Schizostylis plants prefer full sun or light shade and moist, well-drained soil. They are suitable for USDA zones 7 to 10.

Is Schizostylis invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

At present, Schizostylis is not considered invasive in the USA. Always refer to local guidelines and regulations for the most accurate information.

How do I remove Schizostylis plants from my garden?

Schizostylis can be removed by carefully uprooting the plant, making sure to get the entire root system. A trowel or garden fork can be helpful for this process.

Summary

Schizostylis, is a perennial plant native to South Africa. It's recognized for its elegant, lily-like flowers that bloom in autumn, providing color when most other plants have finished flowering.

Plant Schizostylis bulbs in spring in a sunny or partially shaded location with moist, well-drained soil. Although they are somewhat drought-tolerant once established, regular watering is crucial during their first year. Mulching in colder regions is advised to protect them during winter.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Schizostylis plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Tritonia, Helictotrichon sempervirens, Iris, and Crocosmia plants.