Gloriosa Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 19th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Gloriosa plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Gloriosa boasts uniquely shaped vibrant flowers with elongated, curled petals. Its dramatic appearance makes it a showstopper, perfect for drawing attention in any garden.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Gloriosa thrives in well-draining soil and requires full sun to partial shade. While it loves warmth, protect it from intense midday sun.
- General Care: Regular watering is key, but avoid waterlogging. Provide a support for its climbing habit and watch out for its rapid growth during warmer months.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Flame Lily is a bit more demanding but well worth the effort. It's best for gardeners ready for a moderate challenge. Be aware that all parts of this plant are toxic if ingested.
Gloriosa Lily, Fire Lily, & Flame Lily: Cultivation & Garden Use
Members of the Gloriosa plant genus are half hardy perennials that are usually treated as a half hardy annual when grown in the garden.
Gloriosa plants are climbers. They usually reach from 1.2 to 1.8 meters (4 to 6 feet) in height.
Gloriosa superba by Lalithamba.
Some common names for members of this genus include Gloriosa Lily, Glory Lily, Flame Lily, and Climbing Lily.
Gloriosa Plant by Lilli2de.
Gloriosa plants have attractive leaves, and bloom in the summer. They carry flowers similar to those of lilies. These may be crimson red or yellow, and are very beautiful.
How to Grow Gloriosa Flame Lilies
Gloriosa lilies can be grown from tubers or seeds. If growing from seeds it is best to start them off indoors.
The tubers should be planted at a depth of 5 cm (2 inches) and a spacing of 30 cm (12 inches) in mid spring, well after any chance of a frost.
If growing from seed, then first soak overnight in warm water, then sow the seed in peat pots and lightly cover. This should be done in late January or February.
It should take about a month for Gloriosa seeds to germinate at a temperature of 21 to 25 degrees centigrade (70 to 77°F).
Once established, transplant the Gloriosa seedlings outdoors in mid spring.
Plants should be located in a sunny area, and provided with a trellis or similar structure to grow upon. Ideally the soil that they grow in will be humus rich.
Caring for Gloriosa Plants in the Garden
Gloriosa species are climbers, so provide a trellis for support.
They are quite hungry and thirsty, so provide liquid fertilizer and water regularly when they are growing.
Once they have finished blooming, water less frequently.
If you require more Gloriosa plants then propagate by dividing their tubers in mid spring.
Commonly Grown Gloriosa Species Photographs and Plant Identification
Gloriosa superba
Gloriosa superba (Flame lily / Climbing lily / Glory lily / Fire lily), photograph by manuel m. v.; CC.
Gloriosa-superba (Gloriosa lily), picture by Dinesh Valke; CC.
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Gloriosa Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Gloriosa Lily, Flame Lily, Fire Lily, Climbing Lily, Glory Lily, Superb Lily, Creeping lily.Life Cycle: Half hardy perennial commonly grown as a half hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 48 to 120 inches (120 to 300 cm).
Native: Tropical regions of Asia and Africa.
Growing Region: Zones 6 to 10. As a perennial in zones 9 and 10.
Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: Red, yellow, orange, greenish/yellow. Reflex petals. Solitary. Lily-like.
Foliage: Leaves have tendrils at their tips.
Sow Outside: Seed (warm areas): cover. Spring. Spacing 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm).
Tuber: 2 inches (5 cm) deep. Mid-spring; temperature should not drop below 50°F (10°C).
Sow Inside: Soak seeds for 24 hours. Use peat pots. Germination time: one month. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Start at the end of winter. Transplant outdoors in mid-spring; temperature should not drop below 50°F (10°C).
Requirements: Full sunlight. Good drainage. Humus rich soil. Provide trellis. Fortnightly feed. Regular watering. Bring tubers indoors in cooler climates. Propagate: divide and grow from tubers in mid-spring.
Family: Colchicaceae.
Miscellaneous: Extremely toxic tubers; wear gloves!
Common Questions
How many members does the Gloriosa genus have?
The Gloriosa genus consists of 12 species.
Do members of Gloriosa make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Gloriosa, or Glory Lilies, are climbers with striking, exotic-looking flowers that add a tropical touch to gardens.
Which Gloriosa species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Gloriosa superba, the Flame Lily, is the most popularly grown species due to its vibrant, red and yellow flowers.
Are members of the Gloriosa plant genus fragrant?
Gloriosa flowers are not noted for their fragrance.
What is the perfect location to grow Gloriosa?
Gloriosa requires full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. It also needs a trellis or support to climb on.
Is Gloriosa invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Presently, Gloriosa superba is listed as an invasive species in Florida.
How do I remove Gloriosa plants from my garden?
To remove Gloriosa, dig up the tubers in the autumn after the leaves have died back.
Summary
The Gloriosa genus, often referred to as Flame Lily, belongs to the Colchicaceae family. These tropical, climbing perennials, native to Asia and Africa, are famous for their exotic, flame-like flowers.
Plant Gloriosa tubers in spring, with the growing tip pointed upwards, in a sunny to partly shaded location with well-drained soil. Provide a trellis or similar support for the vines to climb. Regular watering and feeding during the growing season are essential.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Gloriosa plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Colchicaceae growing guides: How to grow Christmas Bells; Bulbocodium and Uvularia plants.
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