Clivia

( KLYE - vee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This plants in this genus, commonly called Natal Lilies or Bush Lilies, do best when grown in partial to full shade, or indoors in bright indirect light and need regular water for best performance. Flowering periods range from early winter to mid-spring depending on what zone they are grown in. Blooms are orange, following berries are red, and both contrast nicely against the handsome, strappy green foliage. These flowers can be damaged by temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, so they are best grown in frost-free areas or well-protected parts of the garden. Take care when planting these beauties in your garden, as all plant parts are mildly poisonous to humans and pets if ingested.

Clivia Species and Varietals

The genus Clivia is a member of the plant family Amaryllidaceae and includes six species. Clivia plants do best in zones 12-17, 19-24, H1 and H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map. ​French and Belgian hybrids have wide leaves and yellow to deep orange blooms on thick stalks. Solomone hybrids have flowers that come in yellow, cream, red, and a variety of pastels. Variegated selections are also available. See the descriptions below for more information.

Clivia caulesens (Longstem Bushlily)
This species of Clivia is native to Eswatini, Mpumalanga and Limpopo and is threatened with extinction due to overharvesting. Flowers are orange to salmon-colored, and have yellow centers. Foliage is green and strappy. 

Clivia gardenii
Native to South Africa's east coast, this species is threatened with extinction due to overharvesting. Flowers are orange to light orange and sometimes have greenish mouths. Foliage is green and strappy.

Clivia miniata (Bush Lily, Natal Lily)
This species, native to woodland habitats in South Africa and Eswatini, is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, and has many cultivars. Flowers come in a variety of colors, including yellows, creams, and reds. Hybrids and varietals of this species are listed and described below.
'Flame'
French/Belgian hybrid with orange-red blooms.
Solomone Hybrids
These plants come in a wide variety of colors. 
'San Marcos Yellow'
A varietal with yellow blooms.

Clivia mirabilis
This species of Natal Lily is native to South Africa and is considered to be endangered due to over-harvesting. Leaves have a prominent white stripe down their center, and flowers are orange, fading to creamy yellow at the mouth.

Clivia nobilis (Green-Tip Forest Lily, Eastern Cape Clivia)
Native to South Africa, this species has evergreen, strappy foliage and produces narrow red and yellow trumpet shaped flowers with green tips. These are commonly cultivated as houseplants, and are hardy down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Clivia robusta (Swamp Bush Lily, Swamp Clivia)
Preferring swampy habitats, this species is native to coastal eastern South Africa, and is considered an endangered species due to over-harvesting. Flowers are salmon-orange and have green to yellow tips. Foliage is strappy and evergreen.

Caring for Clivia

When planting these in your garden, set them about 1.5 to 2 feet apart, burying the rhizomes a few inches below the surface of the soil. Clumps should be left undisturbed for a few years, though if you live in an area where frost is an issue in the colder months, the underground rhizomes should be dug up and stored indoors during this time. These flowers can be grown in containers, and in this situation should receive regular fertilizing. They can do well with a little root crowding, as well. 

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Clivia
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 255, Clivia miniata
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
​