Sign In 
Get Premium Natal Lily
(Clivia miniata)
Natal Lily (Clivia miniata)
/
/
By Di Turner no rights reserved
Public Domain
Image By:
By Di Turner no rights reserved
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: By Di Turner no rights reserved | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Uploader: outramps-tanniedi | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Clivia miniata, commonly known as Natal lily, bush lily, or kaffir lily, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the damp woodland habitats of South Africa, specifically in the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, as well as in Eswatini. It typically forms large clumps and is adapted to conditions where seasonal droughts occur. Clivia miniata is known for its water-wise nature, making it a resilient choice for gardeners. It reaches a height of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) with a similar spread and has dark green, strap-like leaves that provide a lush backdrop for its blooms.
The Natal lily is celebrated for its vibrant, showy flowers that appear in late winter to early spring. The flowers are funnel-shaped and come in shades of red, orange, or yellow, often with a faint sweet fragrance, and are borne in an umbel atop a sturdy stalk. The fruit is a bright red berry, which adds ornamental value but is not commonly seen in cultivation. Clivia miniata is a popular choice for shady garden areas, underplanting in tree canopies, or as a potted specimen in cooler climates. It requires part shade, consistent but moderate watering, and well-draining soil to thrive. While it is generally pest-resistant, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered. It is also important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Natal lily is celebrated for its vibrant, showy flowers that appear in late winter to early spring. The flowers are funnel-shaped and come in shades of red, orange, or yellow, often with a faint sweet fragrance, and are borne in an umbel atop a sturdy stalk. The fruit is a bright red berry, which adds ornamental value but is not commonly seen in cultivation. Clivia miniata is a popular choice for shady garden areas, underplanting in tree canopies, or as a potted specimen in cooler climates. It requires part shade, consistent but moderate watering, and well-draining soil to thrive. While it is generally pest-resistant, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered. It is also important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1.5-2 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow, Orange, Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Damp woodland habitats in South Africa and Eswatini
Other Names
Common Names: Bush Lily, Kaffir Lily
Scientific Names: , Clivia miniata, Clivia miniata var. citrina, Clivia miniata var. flava, Clivia sulphurea, Imantophyllum barkeri, Imantophyllum miniatum, Imatophyllum atrosanguineum, Imatophyllum miniatum, Imatophyllum miniatum var. pictum
GBIF Accepted Name: Clivia miniata (Lindl.) Verschaff.