In the event you’re searching for flowers that make an announcement, the beautiful, magnificent gloriosa lily is all the time an ideal selection. Also called the flame lily or climbing lily, these dramatic blooms are beloved by florists and gardeners alike due to their daring colours and strange flowers that bloom on twining vines. On this information, I’ll take you thru the whole lot it is advisable to learn about gloriosa lily which means, symbolism, makes use of, advantages, sorts, and rising suggestions.
Gloriosa Lily: The Necessities
| Widespread Names: | Gloriosa lily, flame lily, climbing lily, glory lily |
| Plant Household: | Colchicaceae |
| Genus: | Gloriosa |
| Native Vary: | Tropical and southern Africa, Asia, and elements of Oceania |
| Flowering Season: | Summer time to fall (July to October within the Northern Hemisphere) |
| Botanical Traits: | Perennial vine with tuberous roots, climbing stems, and showy, trumpet-shaped flowers with reflexed petals which can be sometimes crimson and yellow however can be all-red or all-yellow. Elongated seed pods observe the flowers. |
| Colours: | Usually crimson and yellow, however can be all-red or all-yellow. |
| Mature Peak: | As much as 3 meters (10 toes) tall when grown as a vine |
| Daylight: | Full solar to partial shade |
| Soil: | Nicely-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 |
| Fertilizing: | Gloriosa lilies choose well-draining, fertile soil and profit from common fertilization throughout the rising season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. |
| Symbolism: | Gloriosa lilies are related to magnificence, delight, admiration, and good luck. They’re typically utilized in conventional medication for his or her anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Nonetheless, the tubers and seeds are poisonous if ingested. |
Concerning the Gloriosa Lily
Gloriosa lilies are the one species inside the Gloriosa genus. Regardless of these flowers’ many “lily-centric” frequent names — which additionally embrace fireplace lily, flame lily, creeping lily, and climbing lily — they aren’t truly members of the lily household in any respect.
As an alternative, G. superba belongs to the Colchicaceae, or autumn crocus, household. This group comprises greater than 280 species of flowering crops throughout 15 genera. The household is so named as a result of all of the species include colchicine, a naturally occurring but poisonous compound that’s a conventional therapy for gout.
The gloriosa lily’s native vary encompasses tropical areas of Africa and swathes of Asia stretching from India to China, the place it grows in each tropical and temperate local weather zones.
Botanical Traits
The lilies are deciduous, vining crops that develop from tubers. Most develop to about 6 toes lengthy, however can develop as much as 15 toes below optimum situations. When grown in temperate areas, the crops emerge from their rhizomatous roots in spring.
Their shiny unique foliage might be oval or barely pointed. Leaves are often alternate, with twining tendrils on the finish that helps the crops climb.
Beginning in mid-summer, dramatic blooms seem atop 7-inch-long stems. The flowers could also be upright or drooping. They boast three reflexive tepals surrounded by six yellow stamens. Relying on the range, tepals could also be crimson, orange, yellow, creamy white, or bi-colored.
Standard Forms of Gloriosa Lily:
The species (G. superba) has shiny crimson tepals edged with good yellow. Different fashionable cultivars embrace:
- Gloriosa superba ‘Rothschildiana’: This cultivar has massive, showy, deep crimson flowers with yellow suggestions.
- Gloriosa superba ‘Lutea’: This cultivar has shiny yellow flowers with barely reflexed petals.
- Gloriosa superba ‘Citrina’: This cultivar has pale yellow flowers with a greenish tinge.
- Gloriosa superba ‘Simplex’: This cultivar has fewer however bigger flowers than different sorts, with deep crimson petals and a yellow heart.
- Gloriosa superba ‘Carsonii’: This cultivar has deep crimson flowers with yellow suggestions, just like ‘Rothschildiana,’ however with a extra compact development behavior.
- Gloriosa superba ‘Mayii’: This cultivar has placing bicolor flowers with deep crimson petals and yellow facilities.
- Gloriosa superba ‘Crimson Glory’: This cultivar has deep crimson-red flowers with yellow suggestions.
- Gloriosa superba ‘Album’: This cultivar has pure white flowers with a yellow heart.
- Gloriosa superba ‘Nana’: This cultivar is a dwarf type of the species, reaching solely 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) in top, with smaller flowers which can be sometimes crimson and yellow.
- Gloriosa superba ‘Texas Yellow’: This cultivar has shiny yellow flowers with reflexed petals and a crimson base and is especially fashionable within the southern United States.
The That means & Symbolism of Gloriosa Lilies
The gloriosa lily’s genus identify — Gloriosa — comes from the Latin phrase for “wonderful,” or gloriosus. This time period can be associated to “well-known” or “ostentatious.” The species identify, very good, means very good, splendid, or proud.
The lily’s frequent names additionally replicate the flowers’ dramatic coloration and construction. From flame lily to glory lily, you received’t be shocked to study that these daring flowers are imbued with wealthy symbolism.
Within the language of flowers, gloriosa lilies are related to traits resembling ardour, magnificence, boldness, hope, and luck. They’re additionally a logo of energy, resilience, and tenacity, maybe because of the clinging tendrils that assist the crops to climb.
In India, the gloriosa lily is additional related to honor and fame. Within the Tamil area, the flower is called Karthiagaipoo. It comprises the colours of the flag, and it’s often known as the official flower of Nice Heroes Remembrance week in Tamil Elam and the state flower of Tamil Nadu.
The gloriosa lily is the nationwide flower of Zimbabwe. Right here, it’s a strong image of the nation’s independence.
In some elements of its native vary, together with Sri Lanka and northern India, gloriosa lily crops have develop into uncommon. Some fear they could develop into endangered. However in different elements of the world the place it’s been launched, resembling Florida, Singapore, Australia, and a few Polynesian islands, the plant is taken into account an invasive weed.
The Gloriosa Lily in Floriography
Together with its wealthy symbolism in Africa and Asia, the gloriosa lily has a captivating historical past in Europe. The crops have been first launched to England within the late 1600s, and cultivation started within the 1700s.
Within the Forties, the flowers obtained worldwide consideration when a younger then-Princess Elizabeth obtained a jeweled brooch formed like a gloriosa lily on a visit to then-Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). After her father, King George, handed away, Elizabeth wore the brooch in her first official pictures as the brand new monarch.
Right now, the flowers are beloved by gardeners due to their distinctive look. They’re additionally fashionable with florists, due to the reduce flowers’ potential to remain recent and colourful for a very long time.
Makes use of and Advantages of Gloriosa Lilies
In its indigenous areas of southern and tropical Africa and elements of Asia, the gloriosa lily has lengthy been valued for its medicinal makes use of. In Indian Ayurvedic medication, the crops are used to deal with pores and skin situations resembling leprosy, ringworm, itching, ulcers, and bruising. It’s additionally utilized in poultices to deal with arthritis and sprains, and snakebites.
In elements of Africa, the tubers are used to make ear drops and relieve gum irritation. The leaves, tubers, and sap deal with parasitic infestations, resembling tapeworms, roundworms, and liver flukes.
Ash from burnt leaves is used to advertise wound therapeutic. Gloriosa lily sap is used to deal with zits.
Regardless of its use in conventional medication, gloriosa crops will not be edible. In actual fact, all elements of the crops are poisonous and shouldn’t be ingested, as they include the alkaloid compound colchicine.
In actual fact, the crops are cultivated commercially as a supply of colchicine. Seeds include excessive ranges of colchicine, an ingredient in some gout prescription drugs.
The way to Develop Gloriosa Lilies
Of their pure habitat — the tropics — gloriosa lilies develop in heat, humid situations. The crops might be grown as perennials in sub-tropical and temperate zones, USDA 8 via 12. In colder areas, the lilies might be grown as summer-flowering bulbs.
When planting, wait till after the hazard of frost has handed. Dig a gap two to 4 inches deep. Place the tubers horizontally within the gap and canopy them with soil. Planting tip: If you’d like shorter, extra erect crops, dig a deeper gap.
Present a trellis to assist the crops climb. Hold the crops moist and apply diluted fertilizer whereas the crops have foliage. For extra flowers (and extra foliage), apply extra fertilizer.
The lilies will develop within the floor or in containers. In colder areas, you possibly can fastidiously dig up the tubers and retailer them in a cool, dry place over the winter, then replant them in spring.
For the very best outcomes, select a location with wealthy, well-drained soil. Sandy, loamy soil with a barely acidic pH is finest.
Gloriosa lilies develop in full solar to partial shade. In the event you’re rising in a sizzling, dry space, present safety from the afternoon solar.
Caring for Gloriosa Lilies
You don’t have to prune your gloriosa lily. After flowering is over and the stems die, you possibly can reduce the crops to the bottom. Don’t reduce whereas the leaves and stems are inexperienced, nevertheless. The crops retailer vitality of their tubers whereas the foliage is stay.
Not many pests hassle gloriosa lilies. Aphids are one exception; when you discover aphids in your lily’s leaves, instantly knock them off with a robust spray of water or apply horticultural oil.
If the soil is overly moist or too dense, the lily could also be vulnerable to root rot, anthracnose, or viruses such because the cucumber mosaic virus. Forestall these points by instantly eradicating aphids, not letting crops sit in water, and utilizing clear, well-draining containers.
Inventive Makes use of for Gloriosa Lilies
Gloriosa lilies add a dramatic look to the panorama and to floral preparations. Outdoor, take into account planting a lily in a container subsequent to a trellis for a daring climbing impact.
In floral preparations, gloriosa lilies lend an otherworldly look. Incorporate lengthy stems, leaves, and buds to increase the road of an association. For an natural look, you possibly can encourage the crops’ pure sprawl.
Gloriosa Lilies Flower Crafts
Gloriosa lily flowers are recognized for his or her long-lasting nature. Make them final even longer by urgent them:
- Select flowers on the top of their bloom.
- Reduce stems at an angle and immerse into chilly water.
- Collect flat, easy paper resembling newspaper, printer paper, blotting paper, or espresso filters (don’t use textured paper towels).
- Dry the flowers (and stems and leaves if utilizing) altogether.
- Place between two sheets of unpolluted paper.
- Set a heavy, flat object, like a ebook or brick, on high.
- Verify after one week and change paper if wanted.
- Go away for 2 to a few weeks or till fully dry.
Gloriosa Lily FAQs:
What’s the distinction between Gloriosa lilies and different kinds of flowers?
Gloriosa lily flowers encompass reflexive tepals surrounded by yellow stamens that resemble flames. Their daring coloration and construction set them aside.
How lengthy do Gloriosa lilies bloom for?
Gloriosa lilies bloom from mid-summer via fall. Flowers final about two weeks on the vine and about one week when reduce.
What’s the preferrred local weather for rising Gloriosa lilies?
Gloriosa lilies develop finest in situations that mimic a tropical atmosphere. this consists of wealthy well-draining soil, full solar to partial shade, excessive humidity, and barely acidic soil.
Can Gloriosa lilies develop in containers or indoors?
Lilies develop effectively in well-draining containers. You may develop them indoors, however present a dormant interval in winter by lowering watering after flowering ends in fall. In early spring, enhance watering and expose the plant to extra daylight to restart development.
How typically ought to I water my Gloriosa lilies?
Present common moisture from spring to fall, then taper watering the remainder of the 12 months. Be sure that the crops by no means sit in water.
When is the very best time of 12 months to plant Gloriosa lilies?
Plant tubers in spring after the hazard of frost has handed.
How can I shield my Gloriosa lilies from pests and ailments?
Hold an eye fixed out for aphids and take away them with water or horticultural oil. Forestall illness by avoiding overwatering.
How can I lengthen Gloriosa lilies’ lifespan after being reduce?
Reduce stems at an angle and instantly place them in chilly water. Refresh water each different day and avoid drafts and warmth sources.
Wrapping Up
Gloriosa lilies add a dramatic, daring contact to any panorama or floral association. These flame-like blossoms catch the attention and supply wealthy symbolism linked to energy, resilience, ardour, and daring magnificence. For optimum development and most blooms every season, offering well-drained soil, the correct quantity of sunshine, and humid situations will assist preserve your gloriosa lilies completely happy and wonderful.
Linsay is an American copywriter primarily based within the Pacific Northwest with a background in educational writing and analysis. Linsay holds Grasp’s diploma in each Anthropology and Library and Data Sciences and has written for quite a few nationwide and worldwide publications together with USA Right now, SFGATE, Hunker, and The Bump throughout an array of matters within the gardening, inexperienced dwelling, and journey sectors. When she’s not writing, you will often discover Linsay studying, kayaking, crusing, snowboarding, or working in her backyard.
