Natal Lily

Natal Lily (Clivia miniata) solves the bed nothing else wants: dry shade under established trees. It builds a clump of strappy, deep green leaves about 60cm tall and wide, then lifts heads of orange trumpet flowers above them, usually from late winter into spring. Where lawns give up and most shrubs sulk, clivias quietly get on with it.

Why you'll love it

• It owns dry shade. Root filled soil under trees, the dark side of the house, the strip beside the fence: this is the plant those spots have been waiting for.
• Orange flowers where colour is scarce. Big trumpet clusters glow against the dark foliage right at the gloomiest end of the year.
• Evergreen structure. The arching strap leaves look composed all twelve months, so the planting works even out of flower.
• Very little to do. Established clumps are drought tolerant and need no staking, deadheading or regular feeding to perform.
• Happy confined. It flowers well with crowded roots, which makes it one of the most reliable plants for pots on shaded balconies and indoors.

Where it works best

Mass planting under trees. Plant 40cm apart for a massed shade planting that closes into a solid green understorey with a single season of orange each year.

Borders and edging. A single row makes a neat, permanent edge along a shaded path or the southern side of the house.

Pots, balconies and indoors. In a pot in bright shade it flowers for decades. Indoors, give it a bright room away from hot glass.

Growing Natal Lily in Australia

Position and climate. Shade to part shade; gentle morning sun is fine but hot direct sun scorches the leaves. It grows in tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens. It takes light frost only, so in colder districts plant it under an evergreen canopy or keep it potted and moved under cover in winter.

Soil. Well drained soil enriched with compost or leaf litter. It tolerates dry, rooty ground once established but never soggy ground, which rots the fleshy roots.

Water and feed. Water to establish, then only through long dry spells. Keep it on the dry side over winter: that rest period helps set up the spring flowering. Feed lightly after flowering.

Pruning. None. Cut spent flower stems at the base and remove the odd tired leaf.

What to expect when it arrives

Because clivias are usually planted in groups, most of our sizes come as packs: 140mm pots in packs of 10, 175mm and 200mm pots in packs of 6, 250mm pots in packs of 3, plus single 300mm plants. All are established clumps rather than seedlings, so you are planting real presence. Expect settling rather than growth for the first month; clivias are slow and steady by nature.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The best plants for covering shaded ground
• Browse plants for full shade
• More plants for mass planting
• Plants that thrive in pots

Common questions

Will it really grow under established trees?

Yes, and it is one of very few flowering plants that will. The fleshy roots cope with the dry, root filled soil under mature canopies. Water it for the first summer while it settles in.

Is it safe for pets?

No. The bulbous roots and the berries are toxic to cats and dogs. Plant it where a digging dog cannot reach the roots, or choose from our pet safe range instead.

Why is my clivia not flowering?

Usually too little light or no winter rest. Move it to bright shade rather than deep gloom, and keep it cool and fairly dry through winter. Overfed plants also favour leaves over flowers.

Does it handle frost?

Light frost only, and the leaves burn before the plant dies. Under a tree canopy it usually sails through; in the open in a frosty district, grow it in a pot you can shift.