Hesperantha coccinea

To ensure your plants thrive, start by preparing the soil well with plenty of well-rotted garden compost or manure; if you are planting bulbs (or corms), set them 5cm (2in) deep and 5cm (2in) apart, while those in pots should have additional organic matter added when planting.

Throughout the growing season, water consistently during dry spells and deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage health. Once flowering has finished, remove the faded flower spikes and protect the crown of the plant with a deep, dry winter mulch to shield it from the cold. Finally, maintain the vigor of your plants by lifting and dividing congested clumps every two or three years in the spring.