Very interesting. I have noted all the messages suggesting that Hesperantha
coccinea grows in areas attractive to primula, that is in damp areas near
streams. Mine receive a small amount of water weekly, from May until Nov.,
and whatever rain falls the rest of the year. (Average annual rainfall is
18" per year, all in the fall and winter.)
They bloom prolifically in late Oct. and sporadically the rest of the year.
I am wondering if we are discussing the same plant. I originally called
mine Schizostylis coccinea 'Mrs. Hegarty'. It is extremely prolific with
absolutely no special care. The soil has an underlying base of clay, is not
very well drained in spite of my efforts over the years, but the watering is
quite meager.
Shirley Meneice
----- Original Message -----
From: "Cameron McMaster" <cameron@haznet.co.za>
To: <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2006 8:40 PM
Subject: [pbs] Hesperantha coccinea
> Hi
>
> In reaction to Mary's query regarding flowering time of Hesperantha
> coccinea - here is some information based on personal observation on this
> beautiful species in its wild habitat. It is known locally as the
> Scartlet River Lily because it is confined to perrenial stream banks and
> islands in the high altitude regions of the Eastern Cape and Natal at
> altitudes of 1500 to 2500m. It is never found away from water and the
> plants are permanently in a wet or at least moist environment with the
> stream often running over and through them. They have a specific
> flowering time in the Southern hemisphere autumn - March and April with
> maybe a few flowers in late February.
> We have dound them to grow readily in gardens in South Africa provided
> they are kept moist. They are good subjects to place around garden pools
> or in wet areas of the garden and multiply rapidly. They also grow very
> easily from seed.
>
> Cameron McMaster
> African Bulbs
> PO Box 26, Napier 7270
> Tel/Fax: 028 423 3651
> E-mail: africanbulbs@haznet.co.za
> Website: http://www.africanbulbs.com/
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