Gloriosa Lilies - Gloriosa Superba "Rothschildiana"
- Posted: 27 January 2010 (Permalink)
Written by Margaret Hall
These remarkable lilies are otherwise known as Catsclaw, Climbing Lily,
Flame Lily and Glory Lily. Native to tropical Asia and Africa and it is the national flower of Zimbabwe
As the ‘inside out lily’ flower matures the petals reflex backwards along with the stamens and the pistil is exposed to show off the beautiful deep pink or red bicoloured petals.
Gloriosa Lilies of which there are many cultivars are grown from a tuber and flower in summer through to autumn. As the lily vine climbs it is supported by a tiny tendril at the end of each leaf.
Once cut they can last for up to two weeks in water, cut a small section off the stem every couple of days to allow it to drink more. All parts of the plant are toxic and have been used in various herbal remedies.
Many Sydney Sogetsu artists would like to know how to encourage the lily to produce a longer stem to the flower head for great variation of use in arrangements. Any suggestions?
Gloriosa Lily