Water Wise Plants

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Chasmanthe

Pronunciation

chas-MAN-thee

Common Name

Chasmanthe or cobra lily

Plant Type

Bulb

Mature Size

3 ft. to 3 1/2 ft. tall

Water Requirements

Low: water every three weeks until the root ball is wet

Sun/Shade Requirements

Full to half sun

Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Flower Color

Orange-red

Maintenance- Design- Planting Tips

Chasmanthe is one of the South African perennials that does very well in the Santa Clara County climate. Foliage appears in the fall, orange-red flowers appear in the winter, and the plant goes dormant in the summer. Chasmanthe needs no summer water. There is also a yellow flowered version, called Chasmanthe floribunda duckittii.

For best flowering, corms should be divided every two to three years. Be aware that the plant will reseed vigorously, particularly Chasmanthe aethiopica, so be sure to deadhead the flowers if this is not desired.

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