Doryanthes excelsa, commonly known as Gymea Lily, is an evergreen perennial herb native to coastal areas and the forest margins of New South Wales, Australia. It typically grows to a height of 8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 meters) and a width of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters). The plant forms a large basal rosette of sword-shaped leaves and produces a spectacular flower spike with large, bright red flowers in the spring and summer, which are highly attractive to birds and insects.

Gymea Lily is valued for its striking architectural form and vibrant flowers, making it a focal point in gardens and landscapes. It is used in urban planting, border planting, and as a dramatic accent in large containers. This plant thrives in full sun to part shade and requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. It prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to various soil types. While it is generally low maintenance, it can take several years to flower from seed, with blooms typically appearing after the plant has established a mature rosette. Fire or placing a stone in the center of the rosette can stimulate flowering.CC BY-SA 4.0