Growing Clivias in the aftermath of the 11th September 2001


Clivia miniata is one of the most easily grown plants, rivalling Agapanthus in longevity once established in your garden.. When one visits any Botanical Garden or old home gardens rows of Clivia can be seen flowering from mid winter onwards; at least here in Australia.

  • A quick reference guide:

  • Family: Amaryllidaceae

  • Plant type: Evergreen perennial.

  • Plant size: varies, but will reach up to half a metre in height.

  • Depth & spacing: Plant with the crown at or ever so slightly below the soil surface. If you have more than one to plant keep them at least 40cm apart.

  • Watering: Although very drought tolerant, water them well over summer.

  • Frost tolerances:Clivia are frost sensitive, so they need the protection of a verandah (for pots), the eaves of a house or a dense tree canopy is usually sufficient for temperatures as low as -10C. as was the case in Tasmania.

  • Flowering time: Mid winter to Spring. With often repeat flowering later.

  • Preferred soil: Well drained friable.A little on the sandy side suits well.
  • Preferred aspect: Part to full shade.

  • Growing climates: Sub-tropical to cool.

  • Fertilising: Generous amounts of slow release organic fertiliser (like, blood & bone) applied regularly from early Spring to mid Summer achieves maximum growth. Remember being a gross feeder, your potted plants require extra nutrients.

  • Potting: These plants make ideal pot plants and they love being crowded in a pot or tub. For a pot, a southern aspect is best.

  • Observations: Hot, dry conditions will cause a nasty yellowing to the leaf tips. As I'm not very anal, I leave these on the plant.

  • Dividing: New divisions taken in Fall are best watered thoroughly and then allowed to become completely dry in between waterings for several weeks until new leaves are being produced freely.

  • Repotting: Clivias will need repotting when the roots become so crowded that there is no compost left in the pot. This usually occurs every three to four years. Double the size of the pot size at this time.

    Because of the inital cost, I often hear from readers that they are timid about planting these in the Open garden.The risks in the open ground are far less than in a demanding pot.

    A good source for Clivias at a price that is fair, are Fetes and Botanic Gardens. Often the latter will have a nursery attached.

    Fundamentalism, even in gardening, when the word becomes more important than the beauty of the plant seems to

    The copyright of the article Growing Clivias in the aftermath of the 11th September 2001 in Alpines and Bulbs is owned by Gary Buckley. Permission to republish Growing Clivias in the aftermath of the 11th September 2001 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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