Contents
Description
Hesperantha Candida, also known as the River Lily, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is native to South Africa and is commonly found growing near riverbanks and marshes. The River Lily is a popular garden plant due to its attractive flowers which bloom in late summer and early fall. The flowers are white and star-shaped with a yellow center, and they grow on long stalks that rise above the foliage. The leaves are long and narrow, and they grow in a clump around the base of the plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Hesperantha |
Appearance
The River Lily is a beautiful plant that can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The flowers are the main attraction of this plant and are about 1 inch in diameter. The petals are white and have a slight pink tint, and they surround a yellow center. The flowers bloom in late summer and early fall and can last for several weeks. The leaves are long and narrow, and they grow in a clump around the base of the plant. They are dark green and have a slightly glossy texture. The River Lily is a great addition to any garden due to its attractive appearance.
Care Guide
The River Lily is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some attention to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: The River Lily prefers moist soil, so it is important to keep the soil consistently moist. However, be careful not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The River Lily prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal.- Sunlight: The River Lily prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as well.- Hardiness Zones: The River Lily is hardy in zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The River Lily is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by a few common issues. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing it to weaken and become stunted. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap.- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and brown. They can be controlled with a miticide.- Fusarium Wilt: This is a fungal disease that can cause the plant to wilt and die. It can be controlled by removing infected plants and improving the drainage of the soil.
Habitat
The River Lily is native to South Africa and is commonly found growing near riverbanks and marshes. It prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade. In its native habitat, it is often found growing in large clumps and can create a beautiful display when in bloom.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the River Lily be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the River Lily can be grown in a container, but it will require more frequent watering than if it were planted in the ground.
Q: How often should I fertilize my River Lily?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can the River Lily be grown in a shady area?
A: The River Lily prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not bloom as well.
Q: How often should I water my River Lily?
A: The River Lily prefers moist soil, so it is important to keep the soil consistently moist. However, be careful not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot.
Related Plants
– Hesperantha coccinea- Hesperantha falcata- Hesperantha huttonii
References
– “Hesperantha Candida.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org.- “Hesperantha Candida.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed September 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org.
