Re: Gloriosa Lily

Nan - Aren't these the most beautiful flowers?  A friend of mine was in the 
hospital months ago and received a flower arrangement that included this 
bloom.  We were both enchanted, so of course I had to find out what it was!  
More than likely, what you have is Gloriosa Rothchildiana.  I finally tracked 
down a private source on the net, and yes, the tubers alone were pricey.  I 
wound up with one small tuber of the G.R. and one small G. Lutea, which is an 
all yellow variety.  The Lutea does not seem to be as vigorous, and it's 
leaves are lighter green; I am still waiting for the bloom to expand on this 
one.  It is rated zone 10-11, so you may be safe planting it in the ground; I 
am Z8b/9, so mine is safely tucked in a pot so I can protect it this winter.  
However, you mentioned that you do sometimes get a freeze and this plant 
cannot take freezing temperatures at any time.

I haven't found a lot of info on this plant but what I have found indicates 
that it can be used as a house plant.  Mine gets about a half day of sun; the 
G. Lutea seems to resent too much sun more so than the G. Rothchildiana.  One 
info source stated that it will go dormant; the other stated it was a year 
round plant if taken inside or in a greenhouse for the winter.  As this is my 
first year with it, I guess I will have to wait and see!  

In any event, it is a beautiful plant and the blooms last quite a long time 
both on the vine and cut for the vase.  It does have a peculiar climbing 
habit:  it "climbs" by means of small "hooks" which are located at the tip of 
each leaf.  The source I found initially sold me her last two tubers, but I 
do know of another private source who has some seeds of the G. Rothchildiana. 
 If anyone is interested, they can email me privately and I will give them 
the information.  

Perhaps someone else on the list is more familiar with the plant in your 
area.  I bet a 5 gallon pot of this baby is stunning!!!

Pam Adkins
Houston/Navasota
Z9/8b

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