PLANT PROFILE
What Genus of around 91 species of cormous plants in the iris (Iridaceae) family. Most are found almost entirely in South Africa, with just four species found outside southern African. H. coccinea is the most commonly grown and familiar under its old name of Schizostylis.
Origins Southern and central Africa
Season Spring for winter-growing Western Cape species; summer/autumn for Hesperantha coccinea and other Eastern Cape species.
Size 45-80cm tall, spreading to 50-60cm inafewyearsingoodsoil.
Conditions Prefer moist, fertile soil in full sun. Some shelter can prevent them being rocked over in strong winds.
Hardiness Most have an RHS hardiness rating of H4, but may prove more hardy in sheltered sites, and are suitable for gardens in USDAzones7a to9b.
*Holds an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.
†Hardiness ratings given where available.
More than 30 years ago I was, the northernmost representative of a genus of more than 80 species, the majority of which are endemic to the winter-rainfall areas of southern Africa's Western Cape, where the commoner species can sometimes be found in enormous numbers.
