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Hesperantha vaginata

Also Known As

  • Harlequin Hesperantha

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 12"-15"
  • W: 3"-8"

planting zones

  • 9a-11

More Options

Hesperantha vaginata plant details

Hesperantha vaginata is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring chocolate and yellow flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry when dormant. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Hesperantha vaginata

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 IN - 8 IN - wide, 12 IN - 15 IN - tall
Flowers: chocolate and yellow blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, summer dormant, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Hesperantha vaginata

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: clay, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A rare & very beautiful species from sub-Saharan Africa. The showy, large, yellow, cup-shaped flowers have dark brown markings & are spirally arranged on spikes. Though they only open for several hours late in the day, they are well worth growing. In its native habitat it forms colonies in HEAVY CLAY SOIL, though it also thrives in a well-drained, sandy mix. From 12” - 15” tall, its size makes it a very nice container plant. Hesperantha goes dormant in Summer and so, NO SUMMER WATER.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Hesperantha vaginata plant

How to Grow Hesperantha vaginata

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • low - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry when dormant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
    • chocolate
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy

See other plant types of Hesperantha for your garden

aka Schizostylis coccinea 'Oregon Sunset', Cape Lily, Oregon Sunset Cape Lily, Oregon Sunset Crimson Flag

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 18"-24"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Hesperantha coccinea 'Oregon Sunset' flower by Secret Garden Growers
View Plant

aka Schizostylis 'Pallidiflora', Schizostylis coccinea 'Pallida', Schizostylis pallidiflora, Pallida Cape Lily, Pallida Crimson Flag

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 12"-18"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Hesperantha coccinea 'Pallida' flower by Secret Garden Growers
View Plant

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-10b

Size

Height: 12"

Width: 24"

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
  • dry when dormant
Photo of Hesperantha cucullata flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

aka Hesperantha coccinea 'Alba', Schizostylis coccinea 'Alba', Schizostylis coccinea f. alba, Schizostylis coccinea var. alba, African Lily

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 18"

Width: 10"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Hesperantha coccinea f. alba flower by Jean-Michel Moullec
View Plant

More Options

aka Schizostylis coccinea 'Major', Major Cape Lily, Major Crimson Flag

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 18"

Width: 12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Hesperantha coccinea 'Major' flower by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

More Options

+19 more Hesperantha
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