Orange Cobra Lily (Chasmanthe floribunda)

Orange Cobra Lily: A Winter-Blooming South African Beauty

The Orange Cobra Lily (Chasmanthe floribunda, syn. Antholyza aethiopica), also called Pennants, is a striking cormous perennial from the Cape of South Africa. It produces a fan of broad, sword-shaped leaves in autumn, followed in winter to early spring by arching, one-sided spikes of tubular, bright orange-scarlet flowers with a yellow throat. The flowers are curved like a cobra's hood.

Mediterranean Climate Specialist

It thrives in Mediterranean climates (wet winters, dry summers). Plant corms in autumn in well-drained soil, full sun. In colder zones, grow in containers and protect from hard frost. The foliage dies back in late spring. It is spectacular in winter borders, rock gardens, or large pots. Hummingbirds love the nectar-rich flowers.

Taxonomy

• Family: Iridaceae
• Genus: Chasmanthe
• Species: floribunda
• Synonym: Antholyza aethiopica