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Plant Guide

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Clivia miniata

  • Common Name
    Kaffir Lily
  • CA Native
    Non-native
  • Plant Type
    Perennial
  • Size
    18" - 24" x 12"
  • Flower Color
    Orange, Yellow
  • Bloom Time
    • Spring
  • Leaves
    Dark Green,Strap-Shaped Leaves
  • Evergreen
    Evergreen
  • Deer Resistant
    Seldom Damaged
  • Wildlife Value
    • Bees
  • Growth Rate
    Moderate
  • Hardiness
    Tender
  • Adverse Growth Factors
    None
  • Special Features
    • Attractive Berries
    • Low Maintenance
    • Showy Flowers
  • Water Use
    • Low
  • Soil pH
    5.5-6.4 (acid)
  • Exposure
    • Partial Shade
    • Shade
  • Soil Type
    Loam
  • Drainage
    Good Drainage
  • Description and Cultural Plant Tips

    Clivia is a clump-forming perennial with dark green strap-like leaves. The trumpet-shaped flowers are a brilliant orange or yellow that appear mainly in the spring to early summer. The orange or yellow flowers brighten up a shady garden spot or can be used to line a shady walkway. They are ideal for mass plantings.

    Plant with the crown above the soil surface and about 30 cm. apart in well-composted soil. Clivia are frost tender so plant under the eaves of a house or canopy of a dense tree.  Clivia are sensitve to the sun and leaves will turn yellow if exposed to direct afternoon sun.  Fertilize with a slow release fertilizer early in the spring to mid-summer to achieve maximum growth.  Clivia will tolerate extended dry conditions once they are established.

    Slugs and snails will attach the leaves of the clivia. The Lily caterpillar will also damage the leaves of this plant.

     

  • Master Gardener Comments

    This is a great plant for dry shade. Try the pale yellow mixed with the orange for a real show stopper.

  • Varietals

    C. miniata 'Citrina' - pale lemon yellow flowers

    C. miniata ' Sunset Apricot' - large apricot flowers

    C. miniata ' Daruma' - large brilliant orange flower