Gloriosa Lily is a stunning tropical vine that reaches 6 feet tall, climbing via tendrils and producing some of the most dramatic flowers in the garden. Its 6 showy petal-like segments open in brilliant red edged with bright yellow, unfolding from summer through fall in zones 8-10. Named after the Latin word gloriosus, this variety 'Rothschildiana' carries the distinction of being brought to cultivation by Lionel Walter, 2nd Baron Rothschild, from its native Africa. Though it requires moderate care and specific temperature conditions to thrive, the reward is a truly glorious display that grows more impressive each season.
Partial Sun
Moderate
8-10
72in H x 36in W
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Moderate
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The flowers of Gloriosa Lily are unmistakably showy, with brilliant red petals dramatically edged in bright yellow that seem to glow against the deep green foliage. This is a climbing vine in the truest sense, using delicate tendrils at the leaf tips to pull itself upward, rewarding gardeners who provide a trellis or support structure with an elegant vertical garden. The plant demands moderate daytime temperatures in the 70s and cool nights around 60 degrees for peak performance, which is the key to coaxing those spectacular blooms during the long summer-to-fall window.
Gloriosa Lily is grown as a tender annual in most of North America, though it can be overwintered in zones 8-10 where it persists year after year. Gardeners grow it primarily for its spectacular ornamental flowers, positioning it where its climbing habit can be fully appreciated on a trellis, fence, or arbor. The dramatic red and yellow blooms make it a focal point in summer borders and containers, offering vertical interest and exotic flair that transforms a garden space.
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Start tubers indoors in late winter under warm conditions to achieve earlier blooms. Tubers are brittle and require careful handling; plant them horizontally 2 to 4 inches deep in organically rich, moist soil. Move started tubers outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed.
Transplant tubers or started plants outdoors after the last frost date has passed. Space them 8 to 12 inches apart in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Provide support structures such as a trellis or stake early, as the vines climb via leaf tendrils and need clear pathways upward.
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“Gloriosa superba 'Rothschildiana' carries the name of Lionel Walter, 2nd Baron Rothschild (1868-1937), the prominent British naturalist and collector who is credited with bringing this African treasure into cultivation. The genus name itself derives from the Latin gloriosus, meaning glorious, a fitting tribute to the flower's breathtaking appearance. This particular selection represents the journey of tropical plants from their native African habitats into European gardens and eventually into cultivation worldwide, embodying the Victorian era's fascination with exotic flora.”