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Curtonus
Aunt Eliza, pleated leaves

- Height 4 ft (120 cm)
- Planting distance 9 in (23 cm)
- Flowers late summer to early fall
- Rich, well-drained soil
- Sunny site
- Corms available fall
- Hardy zones 7-10

Curtonus paniculatus (syn. Antholyza paniculata) is the only species in this South African genus. It is closely related to Crocosmia species, but is taller, up to 4 ft (120 cm), and is distinguished by its pleated, sword-shaped midgreen leaves and its zigzagging flower stems carrying orange-red trumpets during late summer and fall. The flowers are good for cutting. Once established, curtonus naturalizes well from New York City south; farther north, treat it like gladiolus. Grow curtonus in sunny mixed borders, among low shrubs, or at the foot of a south-facing wall.

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