Chasmanthe aethiopica

This African relative of Gladiolus opens its brightly colored flowers in late winter or early spring, when there is little else in bloom. Needs plenty of water during the growing season, but once established is drought-tolerant and requires little special care. Cut off spent flower heads to avoid self-seeding. Grow from corms planted 3 to 4 inches deep when soil warms in spring. Leave the swordlike foliage intact until you dig up corms for winter storage. Corms may remain in the ground in areas where the soil does not freeze.

Scarlet flowers with greenish-yellow centers all facing one way. Good with other early-flowering plants such as yellow Euryops pectinifera, and orange Iceland poppies.

Attributes - Chasmanthe aethiopica

Plant Type: Bulb

Bloom Season: Late Winter through Early Spring

Flower Color: Red

Foliage: Deciduous

Height: 2 ft. to 3 ft.

Width: 8 in.

Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Sun

Climate: Zones 9, 10

Notes: Thrives in Dry Climates. Drought Tolerant, Showy Flowers.

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