Scientific Name
Clivia nobilis Lindl.
Common Name(s)
Greentip Lily, Greentip Kaffir Lily, Greentip Forest Lily, Drooping Clivia, Cape Clivia, Bush Lily
Synonym(s)
Haemanthus cernuiflorus, Himantophyllum aitonii, Imatophyllum aitonii, Imatophyllum maximum
Scientific Classification
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Subfamily: Amaryllidoideae
Tribe: Haemantheae
Genus: Clivia
Flower
Color: Orange
Bloom Time: Spring and summer
Description
Clivia nobilis is an evergreen rhizomatous perennial that forms tight clumps of strap-shaped, non-glossy dark green leaves with slightly serrated edges and a rounded tip. It grows up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall.
The long-blooming orange flowers are tubular and appear arranged in an umbel, drooping downward in spring and summer. They are followed by marble-sized red berries.
How to Grow and Care
Clivia plants require partial to full shade and fast-draining loamy soils to produce healthy growth.
With a rake, spread a 1-inch (2.5-cm) layer of mulch around the Clivia plant. Keep the mulch 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) from the base of the plant to avoid rot.
Water the Clivia plants when the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of soil becomes dry during the active growing season using a garden hose. Keep the soil moist but never soggy. Never water the Clivia to the point that there is standing water on the soil's surface. Reduce watering in the late fall and winter months when the plant enters dormancy. Water dormant Clivia plants when the top 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 cm) of soil becomes dry.
Fertilize the Clivia with a 6-6-6 nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium formulation slow-release fertilizer every three months during the growing season. Apply at a rate of 1 teaspoon per square foot of soil. Spread the fertilizer in a ring around the Clivia plant, keeping the granules 12 inches (30 cm) from its base. Rake the fertilizer into the top 3 inches (7.5 cm) of soil. Water the area thoroughly. Do not apply fertilizer while the plant is dormant.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Clivia.
Origin
Clivia nobilis is native to South Africa.
Links
- Back to genus Clivia
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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