#forestlily

Plant of the Day

Thursday 26 May 2022

The evergreen perennial Clivia miniata (Natal lily, forest lily) originates from low-altitude woodlands in South Africa and so are best grown in the shade. They make excellent house plants and have more to offer than just the trumpet-shaped red, yellow, orange or cream flowers. There are berries that follow the flowers and cultivars with variegated strap-like leaves. Here are some examples from an amazing display at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show, London.

Plant of the Day

Wednesday 30 December 2020

On my window sill the South African bulbous perennial Veltheimia bracteata (forest lily, unicorn root) is starting to bloom. The spike of tubular pink flowers arise on a stem from a rosette of glossy leaves. This bulb needs protection from frost and low temperatures but can be placed outside in the summer months.

Plant of the Day

Friday 20 March 2020

The tender, bulbous perennial Veltheimia bracteata (forest lily) was producing it’s typical racemes of tubular pink flowers on purplish stems in the glasshouse display of the Royal Horticultural Society Garden Wisley, Surrey. There was also a greenish-yellow flower variety called Veltheimia bracteata 'Lemon Flame'. This South African plants has a basal rosette of strap-shaped, glossy leaves and in its native habitat is pollinated by birds which feed on the nectar.