Amazon Lily

Amazon Lily (Eucharis grandiflora) is a lush, glossy foliage plant from South America, about 60 to 70cm high and wide. Long, broad, dark green leaves arch like a fountain, and clusters of large, sweetly scented white and pale green flowers rise above them, appearing on and off through the year. It is a handsome houseplant and a useful underplanting for shaded, warm gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Fragrant white flowers. Large, narcissus-like blooms in white and pale green carry a sweet scent.
• Flowers through the year. Flowering is intermittent rather than constant, with blooms appearing at different times across the seasons.
• A glossy fountain of leaves. The broad dark green leaves arch outward and look good even when the plant is not in flower.
• Two lives, indoors and out. It grows as a houseplant in well-lit rooms, and as an underplanting in part shade in warm gardens.
• Happy out of the sun. It prefers a sheltered spot and filtered light, which makes it useful where other flowering plants struggle.

Where it works best

Indoors. Choose a well-lit spot out of direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. A large pot in a bright room shows off the arching leaves. Keep it out of reach of pets and children.

Underplanting in warm gardens. In subtropical and tropical gardens, plant beneath trees and shrubs in part shade. Space plants about 60cm apart so the leaves just meet.

Shaded courtyards and patios. A sheltered, humid, shaded spot with regular water suits it best.

Growing Amazon Lily in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in a sheltered position and avoid direct sunlight, which scorches the leaves. It thrives in humid, shady climates with plenty of rainfall, so subtropical and tropical gardens suit it outdoors. In cooler regions grow it as a houseplant, and protect it from frost.

Soil. Use a good quality potting mix in pots. In the garden, choose soil that holds moisture but drains freely, and mulch the surface.

Water and feed. Water only when the soil begins to dry: push a finger into the soil to test. Outdoors, water regularly for the first 12 weeks and during dry periods. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring, and a liquid fertiliser every two to four weeks in the warmer months, diluted to half the recommended dose to avoid burn.

Pruning. No pruning is needed. For indoor plants, wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth when they collect dust, and spritz with a hand sprayer to refresh the gloss. Repot container plants at the beginning of spring.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Amazon Lily as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It also comes in 200mm pots in packs of 6 and 300mm pots, sold singly. The tube is small and takes time to grow into a flowering plant, while the larger pots give a fuller plant with the arching leaves already formed.

Amazon Lily tubes come from our grower rather than our own benches, so they are not always available. When the tube reads sold out, use the notify button on the page and you will be emailed the day it is back. 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

• Indoor plants
• Plants for partial shade
• Plants for subtropical climates
• Indoor plant tips for beginners

Common questions

How often will it flower?

Flowers appear intermittently through the year rather than in one season. Steady warmth, bright filtered light and regular feeding in the warmer months give the best chance of repeat blooms.

Can I grow it outdoors?

Yes, in a warm, humid, sheltered part of a subtropical or tropical garden, in part shade. In cooler regions keep it in a pot indoors, and protect it from frost.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Like other plants in the amaryllis family, it should be treated as toxic if eaten, so keep it out of reach of cats, dogs and children.