River Lily ‘Major’ (Hesperantha coccinea ‘Major’) - Late Flowers for Pond Collars & Damp Borders (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free; Non-Native)

A glowing late-season perennial for pond collars and damp borders (not aquatic). ‘Major’ sends up elegant wands of scarlet, cup-shaped flowers from late summer into autumn, often to first frosts in mild spots. On still, sunny days the blooms are visited by bumblebees and hoverflies, bringing colour and nectar when many plants are fading. Clump-forming to 45-75 cm; narrow, iris-like leaves give a clean vertical accent without swamping neighbours.
Native status: South African non-native; garden-safe and non-invasive when managed.

Where it thrives

Light: Full sun (tolerates light/partial shade)
Moisture/Zone: Pond collar / damp border / rain-garden edge; moist but free-draining mineral loam; hates winter waterlogging; do not submerge
Setting: Path-side clumps by the pond, among sedges and late nectar natives (Devil’s-bit Scabious, Hemp-agrimony); great in drifts for autumn impact

Planting & care

• Plant into peat-free mineral loam; improve heavy soils with grit and leaf-mould for drainage + moisture balance

• Keep evenly moist in growth; mulch in spring; avoid soggy winter crowns (slightly raised planting helps)

• Deadhead to extend bloom; divide every 2-3 years in spring to refresh clumps

• Shelter from harsh wind in exposed sites; no pesticides or high-salt feeds

Safety (important & honest):
Ornamental use only - do not ingest. Generally low-risk. Keep plant material and soil out of natural watercourses.

Truth-first wildlife note:
A valuable late nectar stop in mild, still weather, but not a native host plant. Performs poorly in winter-wet or drought-baked positions. Pair with UK natives to cover the full season.  Why we say “River Lily”: You may see this plant sold under an outdated common name that includes a racial slur. We use River Lily (Hesperantha coccinea) instead - clear, respectful, and accurate.

Joel says…
“Pop ‘Major’ in sunny, moist but free-draining soil at the pond’s dry rim. Deadhead a few stems and it’ll keep flashing red well into autumn.”