Bulbs

Schizostylis
kaffir lily

- Height 2-3 ft (60-90 cm)
- Planting distance 6 in (15 cm)
- Flowers late summer to early fall
- Moist, fertile soil
- Sunny, sheltered site
- Rhizomes available spring
- Hardy zones 8-10

This splendid genus comes from South Africa. One species, Schizostylis coccinea, is garden hardy in the South and makes a fine subject for cultivation in a cool greenhouse or frost-free porch farther north. Kaffir lily's flower spikes stand above the erect swordlike leaves. They bear up to 10 bright scarlet flowers, which are crocus-shaped at first but open into stars in bright sun. Kaffir lilies are valuable for flower borders, as they bloom from late summer to early fall, when most other herbaceous plants are coming to the end of their display. They also make excellent long-lasting cut flowers. Cultivars are 'Mayor' (deep pink), 'Mrs. Hegarty' (pale pink), and 'November Cheer' (shell-pink).

Bulbs