African Flag Aka Chasmanthe Bicolor Flower Bulbs

Chasmanthe floribunda (African flag) is a perennial herb native to southern Africa, where they thrive in full sun to partial shade. It has long and narrow pale-green leaves and produces orange-red spikes and flowers that appear in summer to spring. Growing them is easy and doesn’t need much care once established.

It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained loam soil. You can grow them in a container and place them in an area where they can get enough sunlight to thrive. Allow the soil to dry before watering them, and make sure there is an excellent draining hole in the pot to prevent root rot.

Fertilizing them during their growing season from spring to fall using a balanced liquid fertilizer will help them grow faster and healthier. The easiest way to propagate them is via seeds and division. You can grow them in USDA Hardiness Zones 10b-11a.

***

Chasmanthe bicolor is a member of the iris family which produces long glorious rows of 20-40 red and orange flowers. They prefer warm and sunny conditions with well draining soil, similar to their native habitat of South Africa. In ideal conditions they can grow to 3 feet, but they will still thrive and produce flowers in shade. You will receive (3) bulbs.

In California, Chasmanthe will start growing its first leaves when winter rains begin. As the weather begins to warm, buds form. The plants flower abundantly through late spring and early summer. Eventually the plants will go dormant as the soil dries out. You may be able to prolong flowering with extra water.