Guide to growing Kaffir Lily - Schizostylis
Schizostylis plants are hardy perennials that reach about 60cm in height.
They bloom from the end of summer through autumn, and carry cup shaped flowers of red or pink that are carried on spikes.
Some common names for Schizostylis include Kaffir Lily and Crimson Flag.
How to grow Kaffir lily
Schizostylis plants such as Kaffir lillies can be grown from tubers or seeds. Tubers should be buried at about 5cm deep in the spring. Seed should be sown before the last frost of spring, and lightly covered with topspoil. Kaffir Lily can grow in either sunny or partially shaded conditions and requires an area of the garden that has good drainage. Ideally the soil that the lily grows in will be rich, moist and have a PH that is neutral to slightly acidic.
If you plan to start off Kaffir Lily, Crimson flag or other Schizostylis members indoors then start about two or three months in advance (they need to be transplanted just after the last frost of spring). It should take from one to three months for Kaffir Lily seeds to germinate at a temperature of 12 to 15 degrees centigrade. Once ready transplant outdoors at about 25 to 30cm apart.
Caring for Kaffir Lily
Kaffir lily and other Schizostylis take a little looking after. It is best to grow them in an area that does not receive much wind. If growing from tuber, then supply a mulch in the first winter to protect the plant from cold. In all cases supply a mulch in spring to help keep the soil cool; the lilies should also be fed in the spring, and a further two times whilst growing. Schizostylis likes to grow in a moist soil so keep well watered in dry spells. To maintain vigorous growth divide the plant every three years. If you require more plants then propagate by division in the spring ensuring to leave 5 eyes.