Chasmanthe floribunda
Iridaceae
Perennials, Flowers
CHASMANTHEThese South African natives send up their 2-ft. irislike fans of bright green leaves shortly after the first rains of autumn. Narrow, 3–3 1/2-ft.-high spikes of bright orange-red flowers followin late winter or early spring,putting on a striking early show.Plants are fairly hardy, but latefrosts may damage flower buds.
In fall, plant corms 4 in. deep and 8–12 in. apart in well-drained soil. Corms multiply rapidly; dig and divide every 2 to 3 years. These plants spread easily; great for naturalizing. They are roadside weeds in some areas. During summer dormancy, plants don’t need (but tolerate some) irrigation.
Chasmanthe floribundaUnbranched and once-branched spikes bear blossoms along both sides; each spike carries 12–28 flowers. C. f. duckittii has yellowflowers.
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