Gloriosa superba Mix - Glory lily

Gloriosa superba, also known as the glory lily or Malabar glory lily, is a tropical climbing perennial with large flamboyant flowers. It is rare and truly spectacular.

Native to South Africa, gloriosa belongs to the Colchicaceae family (formerly Liliaceae). It is a bulbous climbing plant that is perennial but frost tender.

Its stems are equipped with tendrils and can climb up to a height of 1.8m (6ft). It bears glossy lanceolate leaves.

The climbing flowers are curious. They are 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) in diameter, and have six narrow, reflexed petals with undulate edges and prominent stamens. They resemble lilies and are brightly coloured in a mix of orange, red, and yellow. Flowering occurs from June to August. The flowers hold up very well in bouquets.

Attention! This plant is highly toxic if ingested.

It is easy to grow and thrives in warm, sunny, and humid conditions. It likes humus-rich and deep soil. It is best suited for a temperate greenhouse or indoors. However, it can also be grown in the garden by digging up and storing the bulbs in autumn, similar to cannas.

It has an exotic and eccentric character. Plant it alongside gunnera, hakonechloa, canna, or even a tree fern for a tropical effect.