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How to Grow Schizostylis coccinea 'Professor Barnard'

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Schizostylis coccinea 'Professor Barnard'

Schizostylis coccinea 'Professor Barnard'

flower

A cultivar of Crimson Flag Lily, 'Professor Barnard' is a semi-hardy perennial with striking deep crimson-red flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. The plants produce elegant spikes of star-shaped flowers on tall stems above sword-like foliage, making them excellent for borders and cut flowers.

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Example Schizostylis coccinea 'Professor Barnard' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Schizostylis coccinea 'Professor Barnard'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Schizostylis coccinea 'Professor Barnard' blooms

    Around Oct 14

    ≈ 180 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Schizostylis coccinea 'Professor Barnard' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to light shade; prefers 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering
💧
Water: Keep consistently moist during growing season (spring/summer); reduce watering in winter dormancy. Requires more moisture than typical Schizostylis varieties; do not allow soil to dry completely
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Spacing: 12 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 180-210 days from planting to first flowers; established clumps flower reliably each fall
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Planting depth: 1-2 inches for rhizomes; plant with top of rhizome just at or slightly below soil surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil; tolerates moisture better than most flag lilies
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Peat moss or compost for moisture retention Coarse sand or perlite for drainage Balanced organic fertilizer at planting

Growing Zones

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Zones 7-10; in colder zones, provide winter mulch or grow in containers to move indoors

7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

1

Emergence

3-4 weeks

Shoots emerge from rhizomes in spring; thin sword-like leaves begin to unfurl

Ensure soil remains consistently moist; apply balanced fertilizer as growth begins

2

Vegetative Growth

8-12 weeks

Foliage expands rapidly; plant develops multiple stems; leaves reach 12-18 inches tall

Maintain moisture; deadhead any early flowers to encourage foliage development; pinch back tall stems if desired for bushier habit

3

Bud Formation

3-4 weeks

Flower spikes emerge at stem tips; buds appear in dense, elongated racemes in late summer

Maintain consistent moisture; apply low-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus fertilizer to support flowering

4

Flowering

6-10 weeks (September-November)

Deep crimson-red star-shaped flowers open sequentially from base to tip of spike; flowers are 1-1.5 inches across

Deadhead spent flowers to extend bloom period; cut flowering stems for arrangements; maintain water during bloom

5

Dormancy & Rhizome Development

4-5 months (November-March)

Foliage dies back after frost; rhizomes underground accumulate energy for next season

Reduce watering significantly; apply winter mulch in zones 7-8; no fertilizer needed

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Ornamental grasses (Miscanthus, Pennisetum) Asters Sedum Catmint (Nepeta) Rudbeckia Coreopsis Russian sage (Perovskia) Echinacea

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring dry conditions (sedums in wet zones) Competing rhizomatous plants that may overtake it

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity; spray foliage with water; use insecticidal soap if severe

  • Remove affected flowers; use yellow sticky traps; apply neem oil or spinosad

  • and

    Remove by hand at dusk; use copper tape around planting area; apply slug bait sparingly

  • Improve drainage; reduce watering in dormancy; remove affected plants if widespread

Uses

🍳

Ornamental cut flowers

Culinary

The striking deep crimson flower spikes are prized by florists and gardeners for fresh arrangements and bouquets. Their late-season bloom time (fall) makes them valuable for extending the cut flower season. [source]

🎨

Dried flower arrangements

Craft

The sturdy flower spikes hold their form well when dried, making them suitable for pressed flower projects, dried arrangements, and floral crafts. [source]

🦋

Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects during the late-season bloom period when other food sources are scarce. [source]

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Garden structure and late-season color

Household

Provides vertical interest and reliable deep crimson color to borders from September through November, filling a gap when many other perennials have faded. [source]

Harvest Tips

Cut flower spikes when first buds open for longest vase life (7-10 days). Cut in early morning. Flowers open sequentially up the spike. For garden display, allow flowers to age on plant for extended color. Divide rhizomes every 3-4 years in spring to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 'Professor Barnard' is named after a distinguished botanist and was selected for its deeper color and superior garden performance compared to the species type.
  • 🌱 Schizostylis coccinea is also called Crimson Flag Lily or River Lily because it naturally grows along riverbanks in South Africa, explaining its preference for moisture.
  • 🌱 Unlike most flag lilies, 'Professor Barnard' tolerates wetter soils and can even grow in moisture-retentive conditions, making it more versatile for mixed borders.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Perennial pH Pinch Back
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