Flame lily (gloriosa) Gloriosa superba
Flame lily (gloriosa) (Gloriosa superba) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Colchicaceae family, native to Tropical Africa and South Asia. It grows 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Flame lily (gloriosa) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Flame lily (gloriosa) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Colchicaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 10–14 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tropical Africa and South Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇮🇳 India, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇳🇬 Nigeria |
Is Flame lily (gloriosa) toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: tubers, all parts
Contains colchicine: tubers have caused fatal poisonings (mistaken for yams).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Flame lily (gloriosa)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Flame lily (gloriosa)
- How far apart should I plant Flame lily (gloriosa)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Flame lily (gloriosa) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Flame lily (gloriosa) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Flame lily (gloriosa)?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Flame lily (gloriosa) flower?
- About 10–14 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks.
- Is Flame lily (gloriosa) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. Contains colchicine: tubers have caused fatal poisonings (mistaken for yams).
- What grows well with Flame lily (gloriosa)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Flame lily (gloriosa). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Poisonous plants of North Carolina / Plant Toolbox toxicity, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Climbs by tendrils at leaf tips; swept-back red and yellow petals. National flower of Zimbabwe and state flower of Tamil Nadu.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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