Clivia plant, a small bushy shrub, native to Natal, South Africa, was named after Lady Charlotte Florentina Clive, Duchess of Northumberland, who was the granddaughter of Robert Clive. Clivia is actually pronounced by many as the name Clive. Clivias originally belonged to South Africa but are now grown in most parts of Australia, from Tasmania to the Tropics, and in colder mountain areas. Blooming clivia plants can enhance the beauty of your garden as they hold the clusters of vibrant yellow throated, orange or salmon trumpet flowers on stalks above the clump of dark green strap-like leaves. Here are the facts about clivia flower and clivia plant.

Clivia Flower

Clivia is also known as “Winter Lily” because of its winter blooming. Clivia is one amongst the most popular lily houseplants which is used to decorate homes, offices, gardens, all over the world. Flowering plants of clivia exhibit a rich bulbous flora. Many societies have been established for giving information about clivia’s growth habits and care. The stem of clivia plant is thick and is surrounded by long linear leaves. Clivia flower appears on top, in the form of a beautiful bouquet. Clivia flower is almost similar in appearance to the amaryllis flower, except it is smaller and the cluster has more flowers. A clivia plant grows about 2-3 feet tall. Leaves are produced in an alternate sequence. A well grown, healthy clivia plant can have at least three to four shoots which come up straight from the base point. The clivia flower stalks have no leaves and they may be about 20-inch tall, depending upon the variety of clivia. The flowering stem stalk is always close to the center of the plant, hidden when small, among the rich green foliage.

The old varieties of clivias discovered in the forests were mostly of orange and yellow flowers but some pastels, red and very rare varieties like yellow nobilis and caulescens, have been discovered recently. The originally discovered plants are being improved over a number of years and a wide range of colors and even crosses between the four original well known types, have now gained popularity. Clivia Miniata, is perhaps the most popular type which carries upright florets. The other four-five types have pendulous florets. Clivia Gardenii flowers during autumn, while Miniata, Caulescens, Nobilis and Mirabilis flower in Spring. Clivia seed is generally harvested during June and sold or exchanged amongst growers until September each year as the growers wish to grow the ‘best’ clivia. Clivia’s multiplication is possible through sprigs by separating the bulbs growing at the stem’s base. The separation can only be done late in spring, after the blooming. Read the rest of this entry »