The Weird and Wonderful Gloriosa Rothschildiana
Have you ever tried a climbing a lily?
Gloriosa Rothschildiana, is called Climbing Flame for a reason. Rothschildiana is a gorgeous Tropical lily that loves to climb... which makes for all kinds of creative ways to pot or grow. Use trellis, stakes, wire or even bamboo to craft interesting shapes that then get covered in blooms!
A speedy climber, Rothschildiana has brilliant bright red recurved petals, protruding stamens and flashy yellow margins. It makes an exotic addition to any planting scheme, especially when encouraged to climb through other plants. Rothschildiana also makes a wonderful conservatory plant.
A Tropical Show-Off That Can’t Sit Still
Originally from warmer climates, Gloriosa Rothschildiana thrives in sunny spots with free-draining soil. It’s a fast grower, with each two-legged tuber sending up two growing points, and each of those can produce up to 30 flamingly good flowers. That’s a lot of colour.
Blooms typically start showing up in December and continue into January, though if you’re in a warmer part of Aotearoa, they may surprise you a little earlier. Standing at around 1 to 2 metres tall, this lily is ideal for adding vertical drama to a summer garden or even inside a conservatory where it’ll enjoy the warmth.
Growing Tips for Gloriosa Glory
These lilies aren’t hard to grow, but they do love a bit of pampering. Here’s how to keep your Gloriosa happy:
Planting Time:
September through to the end of December is prime time. Think late spring for planting, mid-summer for blooming.
Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny, sheltered location with excellent drainage. They like warmth and visibility.
How to Plant:
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Loosen the soil to a depth of about 15cm.
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Place your tubers flat (horizontally), approximately 10 cm below the surface.
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Avoid wetting the velvety foliage as it can cause brown spots.
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Add a good quality fertiliser at planting time. Our top pick? Bulbs Direct’s Bulb Food. Your blooms thank you in advance!
Support Their Climb:
These lilies are not shy. They’ll latch onto nearby shrubs, trellises, or even a tomato cage if you let them. Guide them gently with your hands as they grow, and they’ll reward you with a curtain of colour.
Why We Love Gloriosa (And You Will Too)
There’s something theatrical about this plant. As one of our gardeners put it, “This plant is more like a pet!” It needs a little guidance, a little love, and it will strut its stuff right across your garden.
It’s a perfect choice for:
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Gardeners wanting something a bit different
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Balcony or patio planting (with vertical supports)
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Creative garden design (use a trellis to make shaped structures)
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Adding a tropical touch to cottage gardens
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Greenhouse or conservatory growing
Ready to Get Creative?
We’re seeing Gloriosa grown in all kinds of inventive ways: spiralling around old bike wheels, trained through wire sculptures, even forming a blooming privacy screen. What will you dream up?
Let us know how you’re using Rothschildiana in your garden — tag us on social media or flick us a photo. We love seeing your climbing lilies in action!
Quickfire Gloriosa Facts:
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Type: Tropical climbing lily
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Planting window: Sept – Dec
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Blooms: Dec – Jan
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Height: 1–2m
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Sun requirements: Full sun
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Flowers per tuber: Up to 60 (2 growing points x 30 each!)
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Looks best: Grown with support
Ready to plant your own Gloriosa Rothschildiana?
Explore our current stock here → Shop Gloriosa
