Flame Lily
Gloriosa superba 'Rothschildiana'
Flame Lily
Gloriosa superba 'Rothschildiana', the spectacular flame lily, is one of the most exotic climbers you can grow. From midsummer it produces a succession of show-stopping flowers with dramatically reflexed petals in vivid scarlet edged and flushed with gold, held on slender stems that scramble upwards by means of tendrils at the tips of their leaves. Few plants bring such a tropical sense of drama.
Grow gloriosa superba up an obelisk, trellis or through a sunny shrub, or - most usefully in the UK - in a large container that can be moved under cover, where it will reward you with weeks of flamboyant colour. It's a sensational cut flower too.
How and where to grow it
This is a tender, tuberous climber, so it needs warmth: a sunny, sheltered spot and free-draining, fertile soil, kept moist while in active growth. In autumn the top growth dies back; lift and store the tubers somewhere frost-free and dry over winter, or overwinter the whole pot under glass, then start back into growth in spring.
Important: every part of the flame lily is highly toxic if eaten - the tubers especially - so site it away from children and pets and wear gloves when handling.
- Position: full sun, warm and sheltered
- Hardiness: tender - lift tubers or overwinter frost-free
- Caution: all parts highly poisonous if ingested
Every tuber we send is carefully selected, ready to bring an unforgettable shot of the exotic to your summer.
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No - it's a tender, tuberous climber (RHS H2). It won't survive a UK winter outdoors, so grow it in a warm, sheltered spot or a pot, and lift and store the tubers frost-free over winter (or overwinter the whole pot under glass).
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Cleverly - the leaf tips end in little tendrils that grip onto supports, so give it an obelisk, trellis, netting or a host shrub to scramble through.
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Yes, very. Every part of the plant is highly toxic if eaten, the tubers especially. Always wear gloves when handling, wash your hands afterwards, and keep it well away from children and pets.
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Warmth and sun. Plant in full sun in a sheltered spot with fertile, free-draining soil, and keep it moist while in active growth through summer.
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Absolutely - the dramatic red-and-gold flowers are prized by florists and last well in a vase, though the usual toxicity precautions apply when handling.
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We always aim to make sure our customers love our products, but if you do need to return an order within 14 days of purchase (not including plants*), or any items are damaged, we’re happy to help. Just email us directly at hello@growtropicals.com, and we’ll take you through the process.
Please note: we cannot be held liable for any packaging costs should the original packaging be discarded.
*Unfortunately we cannot accept returns of undamaged plants as these are perishable items and are not saleable upon return. If a plant is damaged, we will compensate for this as per our live arrival guarantee. -
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