Plant DetailShow Menu

Gloriosa Lily Gloriosa superba

Previously known as:

  • previously classified as family Liliaceae
Phonetic Spelling
glo-ree-OH-sah soo-PER-bah
This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Gloriosa superba is a slender, herbaceous vine grown from a thick tuberous rootstock. The leaves alternate or appear opposite and are, simple, strap-like with a tendril-like tip. The flowers grow on long stalks and are 6-parted, yellow or red with wavy margins. They should be planted on a trellis for support but stems can be damaged if handled too much to train them.

All parts are poisonous, especially tubers (thickened roots) which resemble yams. This plant is highly toxic and may be fatal if eaten.

More information on Gloriosa.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Rothschildiana'
  • 'Superba'
'Rothschildiana', 'Superba'
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#poisonous#full sun tolerant#houseplant#tendrils#tuberous#trellises#climbing vines#summer bulbs#exotic looking#rhizomatous#tropical vine#sandy soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#tropical feel#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Rothschildiana'
  • 'Superba'
'Rothschildiana', 'Superba'
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#poisonous#full sun tolerant#houseplant#tendrils#tuberous#trellises#climbing vines#summer bulbs#exotic looking#rhizomatous#tropical vine#sandy soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#tropical feel#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Gloriosa
    Species:
    superba
    Family:
    Colchicaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southern Africa and Tropical Asia
    Distribution:
    tropical and southern Africa and temperate and tropical Asia (from China to India)
    Climbing Method:
    Tendrils
    Bulb Storage:
    Dig and store in peat or vermiculite at 40 to 50°F.
    Edibility:
    Toxic when ingested.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Houseplant
    Poisonous
    Vine
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Climbing
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
    Appendage:
    Tendrils
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    fleshy, oblong fruits (2 to 4½ inches long) with 3-valved capsules containing about 20 rounded red seeds
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Cup
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    3-6 inches
    Flower Description:
    Lily like flowers on long stalks, 6-parted, yellow or red with wavy margins
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Ovate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are sessile with strong parallel veining and tipped with tendrils. Leaves are generally alternate but may also be opposite or whorled.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Design Feature:
    Specimen
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    High
    Poison Symptoms:
    Numbness of lips, tongue, and throat, thirst, fever, bloody vomiting, bloody diarrhea, difficult breathing, convulsions, shock, multi-organ damage, bone marrow suppression
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Alkaloids (colchicine and others) and resins
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Leaves
    Roots
    Seeds
    Stems