flame lily
Gloriosa superba
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones8 to 12
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds moderate soil
Size6 to 8 feet tall1 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Climbing
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow, red
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Flame lily (Gloriosa superba) is a climbing bulb for containers, privacy screens, and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 8, or down to 10°F (-12°C). This plant likes full or part sun, average moisture, and sandy or loamy soil. Its yellow and red flowers open in the upper axils of the leaves from summer into autumn. The stems often climb, so give them a trellis or fence to hold. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits.
Pairs well with Jasmine, Fountain grass, and Red Lion amaryllis.
Native range
Tropical Africa and tropical Asia.