Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Hesperantha coccinea
Crimson Flag Lilly
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Height
- 12-24 inches
- Width
- 12-18 inches
- Flower color
- Red, pink, or white flowers with a funnel-shape
- Foliage color
- Green, sword-like leaves
- Bloom time
- Late summer to fall
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low, requires occasional deadheading to encourage new blooms
- Growing zone
- Zones 7-10
- Wildlife
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
About this plant
Hesperantha coccinea is a perennial that produces clusters of bright, funnel-shaped flowers in vibrant shades of red, pink, or occasionally white. These flowers bloom from late summer to early fall, offering a burst of color when many other plants are starting to fade. The long, slender petals open widely, creating an elegant display atop tall stems that sway gently in the breeze.
Native to South Africa, Hesperantha coccinea thrives in warm, sunny environments, often found in the wild along riverbanks and meadows. It is well-suited to garden borders, cottage gardens, or even as a container plant, where its colorful flowers provide both vertical interest and late-season appeal.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Bergenias · Sedums · Columbines · Lungworts · Daylilies · Japanese anemones
Design tip
Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
