The Essential Guide To The Gloriosa Lily
Botanical Name: Gloriosa superba
Common Names: Gloriosa Lily
General Knowledge: The Gloriosa Lily, also known as the flame lily, boasts strikingly vibrant petals with a distinctive, reflexed shape and is indigenous to tropical and southern Africa, and Asia. In Australia, the gloriosa lily is often used as a climbing ornamental plant or a cut flower in bold and exotic arrangements, favoured for its unique appearance and vivid colours. A fun fact about the gloriosa lily is that it is the national flower of Zimbabwe, and despite its stunning beauty, every part of the plant is highly toxic if ingested.
Colour Range: Vivid red or deep cerise pink petals with yellow and green waxy edges. Newer selections come in yellow, green, and lemon.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Summer and autumn.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Suitable for summer and autumn events.
Buying Tips: Purchase when at least one flower on the stem is fully open. The leaves should be vibrant dark green and without damage. Stems with brown markings should be avoided as they might indicate cold damage.
Design Tips and Advice: Gloriosa Lilies are dramatic and can be used as a focal point in arrangements. They can be combined with other tropical flowers or stand alone in a vase. Due to their unique shape, they're best displayed in clear vases where their full beauty can be appreciated.
Flower Maturity: Select stems where at least one flower is fully opened and with several buds.
Expected Vase Life: 4–5 days.
Typical Stem Length: Either 20 cm (with no leaves) or up to 60 cm (with multiple flower heads).
Typical Bunch Size: Variable.
Floral Preservatives: Use a standard flower food solution to prolong vase life and retain vibrancy.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Highly sensitive.
Temperature Requirements: Avoid storing below 12 °C. It's also important not to cool store the Gloriosa Lily.
Potential Problems: Avoid stems with brown markings, which might be signs of cold damage. If stems become limp, immerse them in room-temperature or tepid water for rejuvenation.
Special care for tropical flower species: Lilies thrives in high humidity. A light misting daily can be beneficial.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Cooling is not recommended.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Use floral preservatives and mist the flowers frequently for better hydration.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Given their high ethylene sensitivity, care should be taken not to expose them to sources of ethylene gas.