#river lily

[mallowdew]

Ayrlies Garden and Wetlands, Auckland, New Zealand (20/01/2023)

[ancientstarrydynamo]

More Botanical Garden Photos

[flowerishness]

Hesperantha coccinea (River lily)

River lilies are from South Africa and, as the name implies, they live in wet environments. Normally, rainy Vancouver would seem heaven-sent to this little flower but in this drought year, all bets are off. Of course gardeners create artificial environments and a dry summer just means that you water more often. Originally, all river lilies were red but modern cultivars also come in pink and white. These surprisingly frost-hardy plants are noteworthy for bringing some excitement to your flower beds just when all the summer flowers are starting to lose their sparkle.

[lilhawkeye3]

Okay I’m not usually for crossovers but I gotta say

The Harry Potter / Game of Thrones crossover fandom has some top tier fanfics 🤩 what a fun time

[sevi007]

Try not to drown in him, little river lily...

 (Because I'm still not over the fact just how fitting the lily is for Meredith Quill.)

[ancientstarrydynamo]

River Lily

[flowerishness]

Hesperantha coccinea (River Lily)

One of the things you realize at this time of year is that winter-flowering shrubs are quite common but there isn’t a lot of action in the flower beds. The River Lily is a notable exception and it’s frost tolerant down to - 10 C (15 F.). 

River lilies are from South Africa - not a country that you usually associate with cold weather - however, according to the Pacific Bulb Society’s website; “ (Hesperantha coccinea) is confined to perennial stream banks and islands in the high altitude regions of the Eastern Cape and Natal at altitudes of 1500 to 2500 m. It is never found away from water and the plants are permanently in a wet or at least moist environment with the stream often running over and through them.”

This explains why they do so well in rainy Vancouver. 

[flowerishness]

Hesperantha coccinea (River Lily)

Let’s face it, at this late date in the growing season there aren’t many flowers still blooming. A notable exception is the River Lily. This South African perennial likes it wet and Vancouver’s damp climate suits it perfectly. Hardy down to -10 C, it will continue to flower until the first hard frost. One of my neighbors specializes in River Lilies and her front garden is ablaze with color.