Gloriosa superba ‘Greenii’, commonly known as Gloriosa Lily, is a stunning climber with unique and captivating characteristics.
Here’s a closer look at this extraordinary plant:
Description:
- Gloriosa Lily is a deciduous, tuberous climber known for its striking pale cream-green flowers. These flowers have dramatically forward-splayed stamens and wavy, backward-swept petals, creating a distinctive and elegant appearance.
- The flowers are borne in the axils of the upper leaves on long, slender stems. They typically bloom from late spring to fall and eventually transform into ribbed seed pods.
- One of the most intriguing aspects of Gloriosa Lilies is their leaves. Each bright green leaf produces a long green tendril that curls outward to grab onto nearby objects. These tendrils help the plant climb and anchor itself to various supports.
Growing conditions:
- Gloriosa lilies thrive in full sun to partial shade.
- They prefer rich, well-drained soils that retain moisture.
- When planting Gloriosa tubers, they should be placed 7cm (3 inches) deep and 30cm (12 inches) apart. It is essential to provide a vertical structure for the stems to climb.
- After flowering, cut off top growth as it dies back.
Spending the winter:
- In colder regions (hardiness zones 3-7), you can lift and clean tubers planted in the garden for winter storage at a cool room temperature (60°F to 70°F). Potted bulbs can be stored indoors directly in their pots for use the following summer.
Toxicity:
- It is critical to note that Gloriosa Lily is highly toxic if ingested and handling the tubers can cause skin irritation. Protective equipment such as gloves should be worn when working with this plant.
Animal resistance:
- Despite their toxicity to humans and animals, Gloriosa lilies are generally immune to garden pests such as deer and squirrels. However, in some areas, squirrels may try to dig up the tubers. To deter them, you can replant the tubers or place rocks over the planting site until the plants become established.
In summary, Gloriosa superba ‘Greenii’ , or Gloriosa Lily, is a unique and visually captivating climber. Its exquisite flowers, fascinating tendrils, and climbing habit make it an excellent addition to gardens or as a container plant. However, gardeners should use caution due to its toxicity, especially if pets or children are present.
