Clivia spp.

bush lilies

Amaryllidaceae South Africa and Eswatini

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Clivia spp. is a genus of about six species of evergreen perennials in the amaryllis family Amaryllidaceae, native to the shaded forests and ravines of South Africa and Eswatini. Unlike most of its relatives, the genus has no true bulb; instead, thick fleshy roots and a short rhizome support a fan of arching, strap-shaped, dark green leaves 12-36 in (30-90 cm) long. Stout flowering stems rise 12-24 in (30-60 cm), each topped by a rounded umbel of 10 to 20 funnel-shaped flowers. Across the genus the flowers are most often orange with a yellow throat, with selected forms in yellow, cream, peach, and deep red. C. miniata bears broad upward-facing trumpets, while species such as C. nobilis and C. gardenii carry narrower, pendent, tubular flowers. Rounded berries follow, ripening over many months from green to red. The genus grows in deep to dappled shade on the forest floor and is damaged by direct midday sun. All parts contain lycorine and related alkaloids that are toxic to pets and humans if eaten. Plants are frost-tender, grown outdoors only in mild climates and otherwise kept as long-lived container and house plants.

Native Range

The genus is native to South Africa and Eswatini, where the species grow as understorey plants in coastal and montane forest, woodland, and shaded ravines. C. miniata is the most widespread species in cultivation.

Suggested Uses

Clivia spp. is grown as a container and conservatory plant and, in frost-free gardens, as a shade groundcover beneath trees and along north-facing walls. Plants are spaced 12-18 in (30-45 cm) apart for massed effect. The bold orange umbels are used as long-lasting cut flowers.

How to Identify

Identify Clivia spp. by its fan of arching, strap-shaped, leathery dark green leaves rising from a fleshy-rooted base without a bulb. Mature plants produce a thick stalk carrying a rounded cluster of funnel-shaped flowers, usually orange, followed by berries that redden slowly. The bulbless fan of two-ranked leaves separates Clivia spp. from true bulbs such as Hippeastrum spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 3'

Width/Spread1'6" - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Winter Spring

Most Clivia spp. flower in late winter and spring, often February to April, after a cool, drier winter rest. Some plants produce a lesser second flush in summer or autumn. Berries that follow can persist for up to a year as they ripen to red.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

orange, yellow, cream, peach, or red

Foliage Description

dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 6.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Clivia spp. in deep to dappled shade in a free-draining, humus-rich potting mix or woodland soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. Water regularly through spring and summer, then keep plants cool and nearly dry for 6 to 8 weeks in winter to trigger flowering. The genus grows well crowded, and plants flower more reliably when left undivided and slightly pot-bound. Feed monthly during active growth with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Foliage is damaged by frost below about 32 F (0 C), so the genus is kept frost-free in cool climates. Mealybugs, scale, and the lily borer caterpillar, which tunnels into leaves and crowns, are the main pests.

Pruning

Clivia spp. needs no pruning beyond removing spent flower stalks and dead outer leaves. Old flower stems can be cut at the base once the berries are no longer wanted, since ripening seed draws energy from the plant. Tattered leaves are trimmed at the base to keep the fan tidy.