The Kaffir Lily (Schizostylis coccinea) Schizostylis belongs to the Iridaceae. It is a native from East Cape Province, South Africa to Zimbabwe. In South Africa it is called the Scarlet River Lily for it grows along streamsides and in damp places at an altitude from 900 to 1675m (300 to 5,500). Schizostylis coccinea, the only species, was named by Backhouse and Harvey and is featured in Curtis Botanical Magazine 5422 in 1864. It is closely related to Hesperantha which also occurs in this area. The name Schizostylis means divided columns or styles. There are three prominent styles and three stamens. Hesperantha translates to evening flower. Schizostylis coccinea is a rhizomatous perennial with spear-shaped flat leaves on the flower spikes which grow to 60cm (20) tall. There are up to fourteen, starry, salver-shaped flowers on a stem, and can be 5cm (2) across. The six petals are shiny scarlet as are styles and the filaments but the anthers are purple black. Schizostylis coccinea is valued in gardens for its late flowering - August to November. In sheltered gardens the flowering season can be much extended. Schizostylis coccinea is a most useful cut flower which lasts well in a vase. There is a wide array of cultivars offered nowadays. The first three to be grown to wide acclaim were Major, Mrs Hegarty and Viscountess Byng. Schizostylis coccinea Major has bright red shiny flowers which are larger and more robust than the wild form. Schizostylis coccinea Mrs Hegarty was named by Sir Frederick Moore, the Director of Glasnevin Botanic Garden, after the lady who discovered a chance pink seedling in her garden in County Galway in 1914. She was persuaded to show her plant at the RHS show in London in 1919. It was immediately successful and was given an Award of Merit. Schizostylis coccinea Mrs Hegarty has deep rose-pink flowers and yellow anthers and has been rather superceded by the cultivar Sunrise which is also pink. Schizostylis coccinea Viscountess Byng has pale pink petals and the anthers are purple brown. This cultivar is later flowering and is named after the dedicated rock gardener of the 1920s. Her flower beds were sometimes temporarily covered in water. Schizostylis coccinea Mrs Hegarty There are 32 cultivars in the current Plant Finder, including a white flowered form. A selection of these to provide a wide range of colours include Schizostylis coccinea forma alba; Pink Princess - a new cultivar with white tinged pink flowers; Pallida very pale pink; Zeal Salmon, clear salmon pink; Jennifer, clear pink; Tambara, rose-pink; Professor Barnard, dusky red. To extend the season, Schizostylis coccinea Cardinal with large red flowers is early flowering, while November Cheer with Viscountess Byng, are both late flowering. All are lovely plants which, given the correct conditions, will give a welcome splash of colour for the forthcoming months. The Scottish NCCPG collection of Schizostylis coccinea is near Newton Stewart in Galloway. Cultivation. As one of the common names suggests, Schizostylis coccinea should be grown in a light loam soil to which organic matter has been added to retain moisture and planted in a sunny position. They seem to flower best in a wet year. Plants will quickly spread by rhizomes and may need division after a few years. Propagation. Propagation of the cultivars is by division and is best done in the late winter before growth begins. Seed can be sown in very early spring in a standard seed compost and may produce a range of colourful seedlings. Position. Schizostylis coccinea Major Schizostylis coccinea Major and Schizostylis coccinea Mrs Hegarty are growing in the bulb borders between the orchid and decoration glasshouses.
Posted on: Sun, 13 Jul 2014 15:02:25 +0000