Gloriosa rothschildiana, from east-central Africa, the climbing lily or glory lily, climbs using tendrils which are long extensions of the leaf tips. The flowers, of true lily form, with sharply reflexed petals, arise from the leaf axils as the plant grows.
Most Gloriosa species have blossoms crimson at the outer parts, golden toward the base, but some are pure yellow. A few have crisped petals, a trait that adds to the beauty of the flowers.
Planting: Plant the cigarlike tubers of gloriosa 4″ inches deep in a mixture of equal parts peat moss, sand, and leaf mold. An azalea or bulb pan makes a good container. Provide support for the plants to climb on, as their heavy, branching stems require firm support.
Flowering: Gloriosa rothschildiana blooms in spring and summer. However, by resting the tubers after flowering, they may be brought into bloom at any time. Other species flower in late summer and fall.
Culture: Light, sunny to semi-sunny. Temperature, average house. Humidity, 50% or more. Keep evenly moist in the growing season and nearly dry at other times. Propagate by tuber division at repotting time in spring or by sowing seeds in winter or spring.
Gloriosa, or glory-lily (Gloriosa rothschildiana), has attracted considerable attention at spring flower shows over the past few years. These spectacular flowers of rich coloring (illustrated opposite) are most satisfactory for cutting and last well. Like gladiolus, they can be planted outdoors in spring as soon as the soil becomes warm enough to handle comfortably. These … Read more
For years, there was widespread use of Gloriosa rothschildiana in the florist trade. It was popular for corsage and bowl arrangements. It brought the arresting beauty of these exotic, tropical, African bulb-vine flowers to the attention of many thousands of American flower lovers. Many who might never have seen them outside of Florida and choice … Read more
A true, tuberous lily that climbs by coiling its tendril-like leaf tips tightly around remote support. Gloriosa Lily flowers are frilled and wavy, the petals curved back sharply to show off the spectacular stamens. The colors are brilliant red and yellow, changing as the flowers age. The average height of the climber is three or … Read more
Its airy grace and exotic, eye-catching blooms of vivid crimson and bright chrome yellow make the glory-lily (Gloriosa Rothschildiana), the perfect accent for the patio, garden, or greenhouse. Although important to the florist, who uses the long-lasting blooms for arrangements and corsages, the glory lily can also be grown by the home gardener, indoors as … Read more
Gloriosa or glory-lily (Gloriosa rothschildiana) has proved to be one of the noteworthy introductions to American gardens in the first half of the 20th century. Adapting itself, Gloriosa may be grown as a showy flowering bulb for summer gardens in the northern states. Gardeners report success in New York, Michigan, and Wisconsin. How to plant … Read more
Would a climbing lily vine bring some excitement to your patio? Add bright color for a garden wall or something glamorous, exotic, and a conversation starter for the front doorstep? If so, why not plant a climbing Gloriosa lily vine (aka Gloriosa lilies) in pots for a portable bloom that provides color in your garden … Read more