About
A climbing tuberous perennial to 2m, with lance-shaped vivid green leaves tipped with tendrils. Flowers 10cm across, with reflexed, wavy-edged scarlet or yellow petals, and prominent stamens.
About the genus
Gloriosa are climbing, tuberous-rooted perennials with tendril-tipped leaves and showy, lily-like flowers with reflexed, undulate tepals and long protruding stamens
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toTropical Africa
ToxicityTOXIC 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
Care notes
CultivationPlant 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
PruningCut down top growth as it dies back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed at 19-24°C (66-75°F), or propagate by division by separate the finger-like tubers in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free