Also known as Crimson Flag Lily · Kaffir Lily · River-Lily
Hesperantha coccinea, the Scarlet River Lily, is a vibrant perennial with elegant spikes of star-shaped, deep pink to scarlet flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Enjoys at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering.
Consistent moisture during growth, reduced in dormancy
50% intensity
Prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate to cool
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 10-20°C. Protect from frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate feeding during growing season
50% intensity
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks from spring to summer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the growing season, especially in drier periods, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Reduce watering significantly in winter, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage to avoid standing water.
Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. After flowering in autumn, cut back the faded foliage to about 5 cm above the ground.
This helps to prevent fungal diseases and prepare the plant for winter.
Propagate by dividing established clumps in early spring or autumn. Carefully separate the rhizomes, ensuring each section has at least one bud. Replant immediately into well-draining soil, watering lightly.
Can also be grown from seed, sown in autumn.
Repot container-grown plants every 2-3 years, or when they become root-bound. The best time to repot is in early spring, just as new growth begins.
Use a well-draining potting mix, and ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Scarlet River Lily (Hesperantha coccinea)
Where Scarlet River Lily (Hesperantha coccinea) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Hesperantha |
| Species | Hesperantha coccinea |
Similar in genus Hesperantha
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
