The Natal or Bush Lily
Although only 6 species of Clivia have been identified, the variety of flower forms, colours as well as leaf forms gives the gardener and landscaper a wide choice.
6 Clivia Species
All species are from Southern Africa and these bulbous perennials are evergreen and grow well in shade.
- Clivia caulescens
- Clivia gardenii
- Clivia miniata
- Clivia mirabilis
- Clivia nobilis was the first species discovered in 1828
- Clivia robusta was the not discovered and named until 2004 and is the Swamp Clivia
Clivia Hybrids
The Belgian Hybrids which started to appear in the 1850s are well know.
In the 1920 Gladys Blackbeard of Grahamstown was responsible for other hybrids.
And then the Japanese hybrids by by Toshio Koike, Shige Sasaki Yoshikazu Nakamura and others as well as Chinese hybrids especially the broadleaf forms started appear.
So today we have a wide range of flowers and foliage forms on what in many cases are a very easy care and rewarding garden plant.
Clivia x cyrtanthiflora a hybrid between Clivia miniata and Clivia nobilis is one of the better known hybrids
The more common varieties have a number of uses in landscaping. Used in shaded areas as fillers or as ground cover plants in broader landscaping projects.
They are also suited for use as feature plants especially those with improved flower forms. An increasing number of varieties are available including Clivia miniata, gardenii, Clivia robusta as well as yellow flowering Clivia and others.
Generally available from growers as seedlings through to potted specimens in 100 -250mm pots.
Care and Pruning
- Plant Type – Bulbous perennial
- Country of origin – South Africa
- Common Name – Clivia
- Growth Rate – Medium
- Evergreen / Deciduous – Evergreen
- Soil – Humus rich well drained
- Position – Filtered shade
- Height – .5m to 2m
- Width – .2m
- Habit – Clumping
Landscaping Uses
Excellent flowering and foliage plant for dry shade. Can be mass planted as a ground cover plant.
Varieties / Cultivars
Most varieties offered are cultivars. Orange and yellow flowering types are readily available. Rarer types with pastel and even green flowers are available from specialist growers.
