Late flowering plants are much appreciated in my own garden and I have a special fondness for the dainty charms of Schizostylis.

Schizostylis coccinea ‘Pink Princess’

Schizostylis means ‘divided style’ – the yellow style apparent when the flowers open to greet the sun. This South African native is undemanding; it likes moist soil in full sun, grows from corms and produces lots of flowers from September to November.

Below is Schizostylis coccinea alba, its nodding white head looks lovely in the dusk light.

Schizostylis coccinea alba

My current favourites are Schizostylus coccinea ‘Pink Princess’  and ‘Sunrise’,which make good companions to ornamental grasses. ‘Jennifer’ is a stronger pink and the more popular ‘Major’ is a strong copper-red.

Schizostylis coccinea ‘Sunrise’

Now, in early November, they sit happily alongside other late flowerers, Penstemons..

Penstemon

and fellow South African natives, Nerine bowdenii

Nerine bowdenii

However, I think it looks particularly good alongside ornamental grasses, its straplike leaves mingling well.

Schizostylis coccinea alba

I have always known these plants as Schizostylis but Hesperantha, meaning evening flower, is now seen as the correct botanical name.

The common name was kaffir lily but it is now known as Cape lily.

Whatever its name, it is really worth considering for your autumn garden.

Schizostylis coccinea ‘Sunrise’ with Stipa

(All photography mine; feel free to use any of Jardin’s images but please credit and link back)