Doryanthes excelsa or Flame Lily

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Care of the plant Doryanthes excelsa or Flame Lily

The genus Doryanthes, family Doryanthaceae, includes 2 species of herbaceous plants native to Australia. The species are: Doryanthes excelsa and Doryanthes palmeri.

Common names: Flame Lily, Giant Lily, Gymea Lily, Spear Lily, Illawarra Lily.

Doryanthes excelsa is a herbaceous plant with long rosette leaves that reaches 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) in height. The sword-shaped leaves are bright green and measure 1 metre (3.28 feet) in length and 10 cm (3.93") in width. The curious red, trumpet-shaped flowers appear in long terminal inflorescences up to 4 metres (13 feet) in height. It blooms in spring but takes 10 years to do so.

Flame Lily is used in pots for patios and terraces, in light and humid undergrowth and next to ponds and water courses.

Doryanthes excelsa grows best in full sun exposures in temperate climates and in semi-shade exposures in warm climates (for example in Mediterranean climates). Giant Lily resists frost well.

The soil can be normal garden soil with 25% coarse sand and plenty of leaf mulch. The pot is transplanted in early spring.

Water frequently so that the substrate always remains moist and never dries out completely. Gymea Lily does not tolerate drought.

Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer.

Prune off wilted flower stems if you do not want to obtain seeds.

Flame Lily is a resistant plant that does not present serious pest and disease problems.

Doryanthes excelsa is propagated by division and from seeds sown in spring.