Overview

Gloriosa is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Gloriosa, part of the Colchicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Gloriosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include patio and container plants and wall side borders.

About

Gloriosa, commonly known as glory lily, is a climbing perennial plant within the Colchicaceae family. It features tuberous roots and deciduous foliage with tendrils at the leaf tips. The plant produces prominent lily-like flowers with reflexed, wavy tepals and elongated stamens, typically appearing in spring and summer. Suited to full sun and sheltered positions, it thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with roots kept in shade. Gloriosa is hardy under glass (H1c) and is ideal for patios, containers, and wall-side borders, propagated by division or seed.

About the genus

Gloriosa is a genus of 12 species in the plant family Colchicaceae, and includes the formerly recognised genus Littonia. They are native in tropical and southern Africa to Asia, and naturalised in Australia and the Pacific as well as being widely cultivated. The most common English names are flame lily, fire lily, gloriosa lily, glory lily, superb lily, climbing lily, and creeping lily.

Wikipedia contributors, "Gloriosa (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gloriosa (plant)

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Gloriosa

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1c

Plant details

Gloriosa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Climber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse

Habit

Climbing

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Patio and container plants, Wall side borders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Gloriosa

Propagation

Division, Seed

Pest resistance

Susceptible to aphids

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions