Belgian Orange Clivia

Belgian Orange Clivia (Clivia miniata 'Belgian Orange') is a clumping evergreen perennial for shade, growing about 0.5m tall and 0.6m wide. Its leaves are broader than those of the species form, and in late winter and early spring it lifts clusters of deep orange, trumpet-shaped flowers well above the foliage. Red, cherry-like seedpods follow.

Why you'll love it

• Colour in shade. It flowers even in quite deep shade, though blooms are heavier in filtered light, so it brightens spots where little else performs.
• Broad leaves, richer orange. The foliage is wider than the species form and the flowers are a deeper orange, so it holds its own in a border as well as a pot.
• Late winter and early spring flowers. Clusters of trumpets rise above the leaves just as the garden is coming out of winter.
• Berries after the blooms. Red, cherry-like seedpods follow the flowers and extend the interest.
• Easy to leave alone. Once established it tolerates dry conditions, and it needs dividing only every 3 to 4 years.

Where it works best

Shady borders and under trees. Plant 50cm apart for a dense, glossy mass beneath trees or along a south-facing wall. The clumps knit together over a few seasons.

Pots and indoors. It does well in pots, on a covered patio or inside in bright, filtered light.

Urban and small gardens. A compact clump that tolerates a shaded courtyard or side passage, where a hardy flowering plant is hard to find.

Growing Belgian Orange Clivia in Australia

Position and climate. Filtered light suits it best. It grows in dense shade but flowers less, and it needs protection from frost, cold conditions and hot afternoon sun. That makes it a plant for tropical, subtropical and mild warm temperate gardens, or for a pot you can move under cover.

Soil. Any reasonable garden soil will do, as long as it drains. Once established it tolerates dry conditions.

Water and feed. Ease off the water in the cooler months, which is known to encourage more flowers in spring. Reapply mulch and feed with a liquid fertiliser at half the regular strength each spring.

Pruning. Remove spent flower stems to keep the clump dense and encourage continued flowering. Lift and divide every 3 to 4 years, or when the clump becomes large.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Belgian Orange Clivia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Clivias are slow to build a clump, so a tube plant is small on arrival and needs a few seasons before it flowers well. It is an economical way to fill a large shady bed if you are patient.

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

• Plants for partial shade
• Indoor flowering plants
• Low maintenance plants
• Grasses and strappy leaf plants

Common questions

Why has my clivia not flowered?

The usual reasons are too much shade, too much water in winter, or a plant that is still young. Move it to filtered light, ease off watering in the cooler months and give it time.

How do I divide it?

Lift the clump every 3 to 4 years, or when it becomes large, and separate it into sections that each carry roots. Replant them at the same depth and water in.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Clivia is toxic if eaten, and the roots and seeds are especially poisonous, so it is not a pet friendly plant. Keep it away from dogs, cats and children who chew plants.