Description
Schizostylis – Kaffir Lily – River Lily –
There is a sole species, of a virtually evergreen, rhizomatous perennial in the Iris family, in this genus. It naturally occur in damp water-meadows and streambanks in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Kaffir lilies are grown for their gladiolus-like spikes of open cup or bowl shaped , 6 petalled flowers, which are borne from late summer to early winter. They produce grassy like leaves. They are suitable for growing at the front of a herbaceous or mixed border, at the base of a warm sunny wall, or in a small courtyard garden. S. coccinea and its cultivars are also effective grown en masse in large containers inside where they will flower for long periods during winter. Excellent for cut flowers.
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun. Keep roots moist. Shelter from cold drying winds. Provide an organic mulch in winter. Divide in spring.
Prone to thrips and slugs.
S. coccinea ‘Pallida’ – Crimson Flag – This vigorous, clump forming, rhizomatous perennial from South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland grows 24″ tall and 12″ wide. It produces erect, keeled, narrow, sword shaped leaves, to 16″ long, with distinct midribs. In autumn, it bear spikes of alternate, 4-14 open cup shaped very pale pink flowers, 3/4″ across. Can fail to flower in prolong dry conditions.
Zones 7-9
