Clivia gardenii

An evergreen, clump-forming perennial that grows up to 60cm tall and wide.

Dark green, strap-shaped leaves contrast with heads of green-tipped, orange flowers in early winter. These flowers are followed by attractive cherry-like red fruits.

Dappled shade is the most suitable location for growing clivia outdoors. They will also thrive in heavy shade but may flower erratically. When planted in full sun, the foliage turns yellow and scorches. Clivia also tolerate poor, dry soils.

Always choose healthy, well-grown plants and plant after autumn rains. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball, press in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser. After this, apply organic fertiliser (such as blood and bone) at a handful per square metre. Plant approximately 80cm apart.

Apply mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed every spring with a balanced fertiliser (such as blood and bone) at a handful per square metre. Slug bait may be required as buds form, as they are susceptible to damage.

Once planted, clivia prefer to remain undisturbed for many years. Best flowering results are obtained from well-established clumps. They can be left in the same position for ten years or more and only lifted and divided once flowering diminishes. Division of the vertical rhizomatous rootstock is the most reliable method of propagating plants. The ideal time to divide is in early summer, immediately after flowering. The autumn flowering C. gardenii can also be divided at this time. Large overgrown clumps can be dug up and prised apart with the help of two forks placed back-to-back, or by cutting off individual plants using a spade or sharp knife. Be sure to retain as much root as possible, remove a few leaves to reduce water loss and replant as soon as possible. Newly divided clivia will usually not flower for a few years until well established.

Some clones of C. miniata reproduce by suckers. C. gardenii also suckers prolifically. Another way to produce more plants is by seed. The seeds should be collected once they have turned bright red (red-flowered forms) or yellow (yellow-flowered forms).
Break open the outer fleshy layer of each berry, remove the large, translucent seeds and clean in a bowl of water. Alternatively, lightly crush the fruits and leave to dry for a few days. Press each seed into a pot of 50% fine bark and 50% pumice mix. Make sure only half of each seed is covered. Place the pot in a shaded corner and keep water to a minimum while germination takes place, as too much will rot the seed.

Germination usually takes place in about four to six weeks. Seedlings of C. miniata generally take three or four years to flower, as do C. caulescens and C. gardenii.

Relatively free of pests and diseases. However, could get mealybug if grown in a glasshouse. Slugs and snails can damage flowers and buds.

Urban Trees

Clivia gardenii was first described in 1856. It naturally occurs in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. This species and C. miniata are sometimes found growing in close proximity to each other. Flowering periods extend from April to June, with flowers quite similar to C. caulescens.