Description

Flame Lily is a climber from Africa and Asia with brightly coloured, long lasting, attractive Lilium-like cut flowers in summer. They are able to climb, through their use of coiled, tendril–like tips of the leaves. Gloriosa are a tropical type, tuberous bulb plant that grows well in warmer climates with no frost or indoors in pots in colder areas. Once established, they are able to grow in even very poor soils. The plants can grow from 1.4 to 2.4 metres tall and will die back in autumn as the tubers become dormant.

Please note: This is the commercial cut flower variety "rothschildiana" which although is a very active grower and can be invasive if not maintained, it should not be confused with the environmental weed variety in NSW called "superba".

Cultivation

Choose a sheltered, warm, sunny position against a suitable support such as netting or chicken wire with protection from frost and impending shade from other shrubs. Plant in late spring in well drained soil to which plenty of well rotted compost or animal manure and complete garden fertilizer has been added. Plant the tubers horizontally to a depth of 7 to 8cm deep. Plants will respond well to regular applications of liquid fertilizer and watering throughout the growing season, however they will tolerate drier conditions once established. Protect them from snails, slugs and aphids. Once the plant completely dies back from autumn to mid-spring, the tubers must be kept dry. If grown in the garden, this can be done by carefully digging them up and storing them in a cool, dry, dark place with plenty of air circulation. If grown in pots, simply allow them to dry out completely.