African Cornflag

Wed, 07/22/2009 - 8:46am — Kathy Ormiston
Chasmanthe.jpg
Photo Credit: 
Vera Kark, PADG
Botanical Name: 
Chasmanthe aethiopica
Pronunciation: 
(chas-MAN-thee aye-thee-o-PEE-ka)
Common Name: 
African Cornflag
Plant Type: 
Bulb
Mature Size: 
3 ft. to 3 1/2 ft. tall
Water Requirements: 
Low: water every 3 weeks until the root ball is wet
Sun/Shade Requirements: 
Full to half sun
Flower Color : 
Orange-red
Wildlife: 
Attracts hummingbirds

Chasmanthe is one of the South African bulbs that does so well in our climate. Foliage appears in the fall, flowers appear in the winter and then the plant goes dormant in the summer. It needs no summer water.

Late frost can damage blooms. To prevent overcrowding, corms (bulbs) will need to be divided every two to three years. Also, diligently deadhead the flowers as this plant will reseed vigorously!