Glory Lily - Gloriosa rothschildiana



Bloom of the Glory Lily


This is one of my favorite vines! The foliage is attractive, long, narrow leaves with tendrils at the end of each leaf. These tendrils grab onto and hold anything they can get to. Each stem grows to about six feet. In June it puts on a myriad of exotic- looking, colorful flowers. The first time I saw one, I could only think of an upsidedown lily. The petals are two-tone; orangy-red in the center with yellow tips.

Mine are planted on three lattice panels installed horizonally at the back of my 'outdoor' living room. The lattice panels were installed simply because I wanted something to block the view of  the woods and an old shed behind the 'room'.

Even though the lattice panels served their purpose, the look was boring and lonely; therefore, I had to come up with something to cheer things up. Everything from hanging baskets to English ivy were considered; and as bad as I hate to admit it, even silks were considered. I didn't feel comfortable that I could keep the hanging baskets watered regularly so that was out ..and the English ivy can sometimes be difficult to control so that was out, and I've never been able to commit to silks in the gardens ..so I just looked at my white lattise . .for a while.

Then an acquaintance showed me this flower and went on to describe its virtures . .aha!!! My lattice panels just found a friend and companion! This vine really does do the trick!!!! As you can see from the photo, it hasn't completely covered the lattice, but I'm sure it will by next season!
 

Bud of the Glory Lily


All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested so if that bothers you, read no further. As for me, there are many poisonous plants in my gardens but I've never seen an animal or child graze on anything in my gardens so I don't let that concern or deter me if I like a plant.

Oh, I take that back! I have seen hubby's Llewellin graze on the muscadines! He's so funny! He knows exactly when the muscadines are ready to eat and when let out of his pen, he beelines to them - eats his fill then goes on about his business! He only goes to this section of the gardens when the muscadines are ready!

It's hardy to zone 8, but it can be grown as an annual in colder climates.

All the information you need to know about growing the Glory Lily can be found at
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/glory-lily-45438.html