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(Gloriosa superba)
Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba)
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i_c_riddell
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CC BY 4.0
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Photo by: i_c_riddell | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: i_c_riddell | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-01-18T16:49:52-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Gloriosa superba, commonly known as Flame Lily, is a deciduous perennial herb or vine native to tropical and southern Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean islands. It thrives in a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and savannahs, as well as along forest edges and in coastal dunes. The plant typically grows from a fleshy rhizome and can reach up to 4 meters (13 feet) in length, climbing with the aid of modified leaf-tip tendrils. The Flame Lily is renowned for its striking flowers, which bloom from late spring to mid-summer. Each flower consists of six tepals that are bright red to orange with a yellowish base, and they can be up to 7.6 cm (3 inches) long. The flowers are exceptionally showy, making the plant a popular ornamental.
In cultivation, the Flame Lily is valued for its dramatic flowers and is often used in tropical-themed gardens, as a climbing plant on trellises, and in containers. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate nutrient-poor conditions. While it can be grown in part shade, it flowers best in full sun. The plant requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season, and less during dormancy. It can be propagated by seeds or by dividing the rhizome. However, gardeners should be cautious as all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested. Additionally, Gloriosa superba is known to be potentially invasive in non-native areas, so it is important to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
In cultivation, the Flame Lily is valued for its dramatic flowers and is often used in tropical-themed gardens, as a climbing plant on trellises, and in containers. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate nutrient-poor conditions. While it can be grown in part shade, it flowers best in full sun. The plant requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season, and less during dormancy. It can be propagated by seeds or by dividing the rhizome. However, gardeners should be cautious as all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested. Additionally, Gloriosa superba is known to be potentially invasive in non-native areas, so it is important to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb, Vine
- Height: 5-6 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow, Red
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands, grasslands, savannahs, forest edges, and coastal dunes
Other Names
Common Names: Climbing-Lily, Creeping-Lily, Flame-Lily, Glory-Lily, Glory Lily, Gloriosa Lily, Tiger Claw, Agnishikha, Klänglilja, Gloriosa, Lírio-Trepador
Scientific Names: , Gloriosa superba, Gloriosa rothschildiana, Gloriosa lutea, Gloriosa superba var. superba, Methonica superba, Gloriosa verschuurii, Gloriosa nepalensis, Gloriosa superba f. angustifolia, Methonica gloriosa
GBIF Accepted Name: Gloriosa superba L.