The African Flame Lily
The Gloriosa Lily or ‘Gloriosa superba rothschildiana’ is the national flower of Zimbabwe.
Growing from a tuber it makes a great climbing display and is commercially valuable as a cut flower.
Also known as the Flame Lily and Tiger Lily, it lives up to its name with red and yellow flowers which appear in summer.
How to Grow the Gloriosa Lily – Basic Care
Gloriosa Lilies grow from tubers and can be grown either planted in pots, or grow them directly into the garden, provide with some support as they are a climber.
The tuber itself is U shaped and will only send up shoots from one end. The roots themselves form beneath that shoot.
The tuber is planted flat or on he side as show in the image below.
Be very careful when planting the tuber not to damage it in any way. If the tuber is damaged it will rarely survive.
How to plant the Gloriosa Lily Tuber
When you buy your tuber it will be U shaped without the seasons shoot. We have lifted this tuber in early summer to show you a detailed view.
- Find a warm sunny position.
- Prepare a humus rich well drained soil by adding well rotted compost and cow manure.
- Provide a climbing frame of some sort.
- Plant tubers 8cm – 10 cm deep. (3-4 inches)
- Alway the tubers on their side, not pointed upwards.
- Water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Mulch over the area to help provide a cool moist root run.
Overwintering the Gloriosa Lily
The tuber actually dies once flowering is over, however before this it forms two new tubers, so life goes on.
Gloriosa do not like wet conditions so lift when dormant making sure not to disturb the growing tip at the end of the tuber. The tubers cam be stored in a cool dry position over winter. Wrap them in a little peat msos or coir peat to prevent them from drying completely.
However, remember to keep moist in the growing season.
Top Tips
Is it poisonous? – The stems, flowers and tubers of the Glorious Lily are all poisonous with the tubers being particularly toxic. Eating any part of the lily can be fatal for humans, the cats dogs and other animals. The sap can also be regarded as a poisonous irritant to touch.
Sun or shade – This is a plant likes a position in good morning sun with a little afternoon shade. Hot afternoon sun should be avoided and the soil should be mulched.
Not Flowering – Your Gloriosa Lily will not flower if it does not receive adequate sun, 6 hours a day as a minimum. Overuse of fertiliser can also cause the plant not to flower.
How long does it flower for? – Flowering time can last from spring through to mid summer in warm climates. Individual flowers will look good for around a week, however the flowering period can last for 8 weeks or more.
How Long To Flower – This is a fast going perennial climber, from first shoot above ground to flowering will take around 6 -8 weeks, again depending on climate.
Is the Gloriosa Lily A Weed?
In cool climates the Gloriosa Lily is not considered to be a weed. However in sub-tropical and tropical climates is is considered a serious problem. Removing flower heads as soon as the fade and before they set seed is recommended.
You can search for and find a huge range of climbing plants both common and rare using our specialist nursery index
Instructional Video on growing the Gloriosa Lily
More Climbing Plants
Where to Buy
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
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www.gardenexpress.com.au