Gloriosa Lily

Botanical name: Gloriosa Rothschildiana
Native to: South Africa
Bulb type: Tuber
Flowering time: Summer
Height: 1 to 2m
Support: Gloriosa lilies need a support to climb. The climbing is achieved by thin tendrils at the end of each leaf, which loosely wrap around the mesh or trellis.
Spacing: In cool areas (best in pots on a north facing wall) 30cm apart and 60-80cm apart in northern climates.
Planting time: Plant once the warmer weather starts and the final frosts have finished. However, if the growing tip starts to discolour and swell, the tuber needs to be planted. Until planting, it is best to store the tuber in a cool, dark and dry place with plenty of air circulation (to prevent the tuber from rotting).
Typical planting times are as follows:

How to plant: The tuber should be planted horizontally in the ground and with approx. 3-4cm of soil on top of it.
Spacing: Cool areas, 50cm apart. Warm areas, 100cm apart.
Aspect: Full sun.
Frost sensitivity: As planting is after the frosts, frosts are not a problem.
Water: Keep moist whilst growing.
Fertilising: Feed generously with a complete fertiliser. After flowering give a fortnightly feed with liquid fertiliser to encourage better growth in the newly developing tubers.
Soil: Friable and well drained.
Climates: Tropical to cool
After flowering: Continue to care for the plant until the foliage completely dies off after which time the tubers should be lifted and stored in some dry potting mix (until ready for planting next spring). You will find that the old tuber has died and formed two new tubers in its place. The two new tubers are connected in a horse-shoe shape, with the growing tip at each end. Break the "horse-shoe" in the centre for two new tubers.
Planting in pots: The pots should be large enough to accommodate the two new tubers that form during the growing season. We recommend a 12-13" pot and a bulb growing potting mix. Feed generously. Ensure that you do not damage the new growing tips (the thick blunt ends.)
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