Sandersonia aurantiaca, commonly known as Chinese Lantern Lily, is a deciduous perennial bulb native to grasslands and open woodlands of Eastern South Africa. It reaches a height of 0.5-3 feet and a width of 0.5-2 feet. The plant features delicate, bell-shaped flowers that are yellow or orange, resembling tiny Chinese lanterns, which bloom in the summer months. The flowers are particularly showy, making it a favorite for ornamental use. Its foliage is slender and grass-like, adding to its graceful appearance.

Chinese Lantern Lily is valued for its unique, lantern-like flowers and is often used in borders, container gardens, and as a cut flower due to its long vase life. It requires well-drained sandy soil enriched with compost and thrives in full sun, although it needs protection from excessive heat. In hot climates, it benefits from afternoon shade and frequent watering. The plant is somewhat delicate and should be handled with care to avoid bruising. It has an upright but lax growth habit, and staking can be beneficial. After the growing season, Sandersonia aurantiaca dies back and can survive the winter in USDA zones 9 and 10. It has a slow initial growth rate, which increases as the plant matures. Large clumps can be propagated by division for further cultivation. Potential problems include bruising due to its delicate nature and susceptibility to bulb rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0