About
A deciduous, tuberous, tendril climber reaching a height of 2m. The lily-like flowers comprise six reflexed red petals, with wavy yellow edges, surrounding a cluster of curved and protruding stamens. Leaves are lance-shaped and the upper leaf axils bear flowers, up to 10cm across, in the summer.
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 moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
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 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 and frost-free 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 division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free