Gloriosa superba
glory lily
A climbing tuberous perennial to 2m, with lance-shaped bright green leaves tipped with tendrils. Flowers 10cm across, with reflexed, wavy-edged scarlet or yellow petals, and prominent stamens
Synonyms
Gloriosa plantiiBuy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Yellow | |||
| Autumn | Red Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Colchicaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets (dogs) - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Gloriosa are climbing, tuberous-rooted perennials with tendril-tipped leaves and showy, lily-like flowers with reflexed, undulate tepals and long protruding stamens
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Tropical Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant tubers 7-10cm (3-4in) deep in early spring in peat-free, John Innes No 2 compost with added grit in full light. Water freely once in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every two weeks. Keep tubers dry in winter and pot on in late winter if tubers are very congested
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 19-24°C (66-75°F), or propagate by division by separate the finger-like tubers in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Cut down top growth as it dies back after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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