Clivia (Clivia miniata): Shade-Loving Clusters of Orange Trumpets

Clivia (Clivia miniata), also called bush lily, Kaffir lily, or fire lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial with strap-shaped, dark green, leathery leaves and dense umbels of 12–20 trumpet-shaped, orange (or yellow, cream) flowers on thick stalks in late winter to spring.

Growth

Plants reach 18–24 inches tall and wide. The fleshy roots store water. It blooms best when pot-bound. Long-lived—decades as a houseplant. The berries are ornamental but toxic.

Culture

Bright, indirect light (no direct sun); well-draining, humus-rich soil. Allow to dry slightly between waterings. Cool, dry rest in fall promotes flowering. Fertilize monthly in spring/summer. Hardy only in zones 9–11.

Taxonomy

• Family: Amaryllidaceae
• Genus: Clivia
• Species: miniata
• Synonym: Imantophyllum miniatum