Web Schizostyis major (Kafir Lily)Planting up the last of the plants stock for a border rejuvenation project in Hitchin yesterday I was struck by the beauty of the intense red of Schizostylis coccinea ‘Major’. Standing upright and alone in its effort to provide vivid colour in a newly developed border full of promise for the spring. Stunning colour for a late November day and a must-have for a ‘hot border’ planting scheme.

I am so looking forward to seeing this new border come to life next year but even now in late November the newly planted climbing roses, planted just two weeks earlier are putting on their new leaves – I can only marvel at the sheer will to live and succeed, a sure sign of its roots reaching out down into the soil packed with goodness.

If you have a border or an area of garden that needs a re-think now is a great time to do it and certainly if you are thinking of planting trees, roses, spring bulbs and shrubs. Now is the time for reflection and planning for all that is to come. Wonderful!

About the plant

Botanical name: Schizostylis coccinea ‘Major’
Other names: Kaffir lily ‘Major’
Genus: Schizostylis
Variety or Cultivar: ‘Major’ _ ‘Major’ is a vigorous, clump-forming, rhizomatous, semi-evergreen perennial with narrow, sword-shaped, light green leaves and stiff stems bearing lax spikes of red flowers from late summer into autumn.
Schizostylis coccinea ‘Major’ is: Semi evergreen
Flower: Red in Summer; Red in Autumn
Foliage: Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn
Habit: Clump-forming
Awards: RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

Happy gardening..