GLORIOSA LILY
Family: Colchicaceae
A climbing tuberous perennial that uses tendrils at the ends of its leaves to climb surrounding plants or structures. The distinctive flowers develop prominent stamens and the petals extend backwards as the flower matures. Gloriosa spurba 'Rothschildiana' is most commonly grown variety.
NOTE - all parts of plants are toxic and may also cause skin irritation if handled.
Alternate Names: Glory Lily, Creeping Lily, Flame Lily, Climbing Lily, Tiger Claw
Origin: Tropical Afica and Southern Asia
Flowering Season: Late Summer and early Autumn
Plant Size: 1.8-2.4m H x 50cm W (though width will depends on surrounding for climbing).
Planting Density: 50cm.
Multiplication speed: Can multiply by seed or tuber multiplication. May spread if left uncontrolled in favourable conditions.
Preferred Aspect: Sunny to partly shady position in moist in rich well drained soil. Protect from frost.
Plant Uses: Can be grown in pots or used against a trellis or other structure suitable for climbing.
Likes: Surface mulch of leaf litter or similar.
Dislikes: Growing without anything to climb on as vines will be weak and unattractive.
Watering: Keep moist during growing season but allow pots to dry out in winter.
Fertilising: Responds well to regular feeding of diluted liquid fertiliser from when growth commences until flowering.
Lifting and storage: Can be left undisturbed in pots until it becomes crowded. Clumps can be divided by carefully separating tubers in late winter or early spring. Tubers should be stored in a dry, dark position until replanted in late October/early November.
Pests: Aphids can be a problem.
Tips: Gloriosa has the potential to be an environmental weed in some conditions so keep in check by planting in a container, removing seedheads after flowering and not planting near sensitive areas.