Water Wise Plants
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
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.
Where to See
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