The Hesperantha coccinea, or crimson flag, typically begins to flower in late summer and continues through autumn. The best time to harvest the fruits of this species is usually in late autumn or early winter, typically between November and December.
crimson flag
Hesperantha coccinea
Also Known As - river lilyCrimson Flag (Hesperantha coccinea) is a herbaceous, perennial plant native to South Africa. It is known for its large, deep red flowers that have a star-shaped appearance. The foliage is a glossy green contrasted with the bold red of the blooms. It grows in mounds reaching up to 0.3 meters high and blooms in late summer to winter. The plant is best grown in partial shade in well-drained soil. Its long-lasting blooms add a vibrant splash of colour to any garden and attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators. Crimson Flag is a tough, easy-to-grow plant for gardeners in temperate to mild climates.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
7
Flowers:
Showy, Pink, Red, White Flowers In Summer
Sun:
Full sun, Part sun/part shade
Soil:
Humus rich, Well-drained
Fruits:
Fruits Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Maintenance:
Low
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
watering
Watering for Crimson Flag plants should be done regularly but lightly. Water when the soil is beginning to dry out which should be every other day or every third day in hot weather. Water until it runs out of the drainage holes. When the weather is cooler, the frequency should be less. Over-watering can cause root rot, so it is important to not water too frequently. It is best to water your Crimson Flag in the morning so that the foliage has time to dry before nighttime.
sunlight
Crimson flag (Hesperantha coccinea) grows best in full sun, but will also tolerate partial shade. During the warmer months, this plant prefers full sun for most of the daylight hours. As temperatures cool down, the plant should maintain 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In the winter months, Crimson Flag plants should remain in mostly bright, indirect light. When exposed to too much shade or sun, the blooming period will be reduced and the plant’s foliage will become leggy, resulting in fewer or smaller flowers.
pruning
Crimson flag (Hesperantha coccinea) should be pruned twice a year, in the early spring and late fall. In the early spring, snip off any dead stems and prune back the longest stems, leaving at least 2 or more developing buds at the base of the stem. In the late fall, after flowering has finished, remove any dead or weak stems and lightly prune the remaining stems to shape the plant. It's important to remember not to prune too vigorously as this may reduce flowering, and try to leave some of the old stems when pruning, as these will produce flowers the following season.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Hesperantha coccinea typically starts flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and April.
