Here we are, in the second week in November, a time when most herbaceous plants are going to ground. But not so this Cape Lily, aka Hesperantha coccinea ‘Wilfred H Bryant’, caught here in a fleeting burst of morning sunshine. In fact not only is it not retreating, it actually seems to be growing. There are now several lily stems forming graceful arabesques in the wall border; more to come too.
Such an ethereal looking flower with its flush of iced pink. Which this morning then made me wonder about the cultivar name. With no stretch of the imagination does it look like a Wilfred. This thought next led to some internet rummaging. It was a rummage too. All I could discover was that Wilfred was a Somerset grower of cut flowers. The particular cultivar had been identified as novel by his wife, Jennifer Bryant, a flower arranger. When Wilfred died, she chose to give his name to her discovery. A gentle remembrance.
But then it’s not quite so clear cut. In the horticultural trade, Wilfred H. Bryant is also synonymous (deemed to be identical) with Pink Princess. Either way, I’m pleased to see him/her, brightening up overcast days.
Copyright 2026 Tish Farrell
So, obviously, it’s beautiful – your photography and the blossom, but now I’m very jealous. We have almost nothing left in our garden, just a couple of lingering (“I ain’t dead yet!”) Zinnias and some Periwinkles. Lovely post to start Monday morning thank you Tish! xx
What a delicate – almost ethereal – plant, particularly for the time of year. Well done you!
However named, it’s just beautiful. What a great way to brighten your day and forestall winter.