First, I have to tell you a little story!This past Spring, a very sweet friend gave me some tiny little "tubers" about 3/4" - 1 1/2" long and smaller in diameter than a pencil. She'd received hers from her sister the year before. She called them "Climbing Lilies." Neither of us really knew what they were.
I potted mine with a small (too small) trellis. I also have them growing in a spot that receives some sunlight and dappled shade. They now look like this. I don't think they'll be blooming, but ... perhaps next year... when I place them in a slightly sunnier spot with a taller trellis. :-)
Glory Lilies (Gloriosa supurba) are originally from tropical Africa and Asia. They are the national flower of Zimbabwe.
The plants have leaves with curling tendrils which aid in their climbing. Being a vigorous climber, they're perfect for a trellis or small arbor. I've read they climb from 8 to 12 feet.
The flowers are spidery, with six red petals with yellow borders.
The photo below (as well as much of the information on this post) was taken from an informational web-page written by Mississippi State University's Office of Agricultural Communications.
The tubers can be started early in late Winter, indoors, for transplanting later... or later in the ground once the weather has warmed. The location should receive plenty of sunlight, preferably with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Tubers planted in containers should be planted in light, airy soil. Whether in the landscape or in a pot, tubers should be buried two inches deep and laid flat on their side. Feed monthly with light applications of slow-released, balanced fertilizer.
If you live in the warmer climates, gradually reduce watering and add a layer of mulch to protect the ground, as soggy Winter soil may prove fatal to these tubers.
For people, like myself, who live in colder climates, dig the tubers in late Fall, after the vine dies back. You can carefully divide the tubers, being sure to include a growing point on each division.
There are other varieties such as Rothschildiana, which is scarlet; Citrina, which is yellow; and Simplex, which is orange and yellow.
