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Conservatory GreenhouseHouseplants

Clivia nobilis

green-tip forest lily

An evergreen perennial with strap-shaped leaves and erect stems bearing umbels of curved, tubular red and yellow flowers each 3-4cm in length, in spring and summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Yellow Green
Summer Red Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Clivia are evergreen perennials, the strap-shaped leaves sheathing to form a swollen bulb-like base. Showy trumpet-shaped or tubular flowers are borne in an umbel on a stout erect stem

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S Africa (Eastern Cape)

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added leaf mould and grit, in bright filtered light with shade from hot sun. Water freely in summer and keep barely moist in winter. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser weekly when in growth up to flower bud formation. Do not repot regularly as these plants resent root disturbance and need a restricted root run to encourage flowering

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 16-21°C as soon as ripe or by division in late winter or early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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