How to Grow Splendid Glory Lily

Wikimedia Commons

Splendid Glory Lily

Gloriosa calochlorum

flower

Gloriosa calochlorum is a stunning tropical climbing lily native to East Africa, featuring reflexed petals with vibrant yellow and red coloration and prominent stamens. This tender perennial vine grows from tubers and produces exotic flowers that resemble flames, making it a prized ornamental in gardens and greenhouses. The plant is valued for its dramatic, long-lasting blooms that appear throughout the warm season.

When should you plant Splendid Glory Lily in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Splendid Glory Lily timeline →

Example Splendid Glory Lily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Splendid Glory Lily
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Splendid Glory Lily blooms
Around Jul 16

≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Splendid Glory Lily dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 6-8 hours of sunlight daily

💧

Water: Keep soil consistently moist during growing season but never waterlogged; reduce watering significantly during dormancy; water at base to avoid wetting foliage

📏

Spacing: 12-18 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 90-120 days from planting to first flowers

🌱

Planting depth: 2-3 inches, tuber should be placed horizontally or slightly angled

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss or coco coir Perlite or sand for drainage Balanced slow-release fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 10b-11; grow in containers in cooler zones and bring indoors during winter

10b 11a 11b

Get my Splendid Glory Lily timeline →

Growth Stages

Tuber Dormancy & Planting

2-4 weeks before emergence

Tubers are dormant underground, ready for planting in spring after soil warms

Plant tubers horizontally in spring (March-May) when soil temperature reaches 60°F; ensure tubers are firm and unblemished; place in warm location to encourage sprouting

Sprouting & Vine Establishment

3-4 weeks

Shoots emerge and develop tendrils; vine begins climbing and produces elongated leaves arranged alternately

Provide sturdy support structure or trellis immediately; keep soil consistently moist; begin light fertilizing every 2-3 weeks; ensure adequate warmth (70-85°F)

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Vine grows vigorously with multiple stems; tendrils grasp support; leaves become lanceolate with wavy margins

Continue regular watering and fertilizing; maintain support structure; prune wayward growth if needed; monitor for pests; ensure consistent warmth and humidity

Flowering

6-12 weeks (continuous blooming throughout season)

Spectacular reflexed flowers appear in succession; petals are yellow with red-orange edges; prominent red stamens extend beyond petals

Maintain consistent moisture and warmth; continue fertilizing with balanced or slightly higher potassium formula; remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms; provide afternoon shade if temperatures exceed 95°F

Senescence & Dormancy

4-6 weeks into dormancy

In fall, foliage yellows and dies back; tuber begins storing energy underground as days shorten and temperatures cool

Gradually reduce watering as foliage dies; stop fertilizing; allow foliage to completely dry out; store tubers in cool (50-60°F), dry location if lifted; leave in ground only in zones 10b-11 with mulch protection

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Mandevilla Clematis Passion flower Bougainvillea Lantana Pentas Zinnias

Avoid planting near:

Potato Tomato Pepper Eggplant

Common Pests

Increase humidity; spray leaves with water; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure adequate air circulation
Remove with cotton swab dipped in alcohol; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate affected plants
Prune affected stems; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; manual removal with brush
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove affected flowers; maintain good air circulation
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; treat with fungicide; repot in fresh soil if severe

Uses

🍳

Ornamental cut flowers

Culinary

Gloriosa calochlorum flowers are prized in floral arrangements and tropical bouquets for their dramatic appearance and long vase life. The striking yellow and red reflexed petals make them a luxury cut flower used in high-end floristry. [source]

🏠

Container gardening & tropical décor

Household

The plant is commonly grown in large containers on patios, conservatories, and in greenhouse settings as a stunning ornamental specimen. Its exotic appearance brings a tropical aesthetic to any growing space. [source]

💊

Traditional African medicine

Medicinal

In East African traditional medicine, Gloriosa species have been used to treat various ailments, though modern use is limited due to the plant's toxicity. All parts contain toxic alkaloids and should only be handled with care. [source]

🦋

Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The vibrant flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators in tropical and warm-climate gardens. The prominent stamens and nectar reward visiting insects. [source]

🎨

Dried flower arrangements

Craft

Flowers can be carefully dried and preserved for long-lasting decorative arrangements and craft projects. The unique form and color are maintained well through drying. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Flowers bloom continuously throughout the warm season; cut stems with 2-3 flowers for arrangements, cutting just below a leaf node; harvest early morning when flowers are freshest; flowers last 5-7 days in a vase; allow some flowers to remain on the plant to encourage continued blooming; do not harvest until plant is well-established (2+ years from tuber)

Fun Facts

🌱 Gloriosa calochlorum is sometimes called the 'Flame Lily' or 'Fire Lily' due to its striking resemblance to flames; the flower's intense red-orange and yellow coloration gave it its common names across Africa
🌱 The entire plant is toxic, containing colchicine alkaloids that can cause severe gastrointestinal and cardiac effects if ingested; despite this, Gloriosa tubers have been used in traditional medicine and even in contraceptive practices in some cultures
🌱 In its native East African habitat, Gloriosa calochlorum is often found growing as a semi-wild plant in grasslands and open woodlands, where it climbs grasses and shrubs using its remarkable tendrils—a fascinating adaptation for a flowering plant

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Perennial Trellis

Shop Splendid Glory Lily plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Splendid Glory Lily planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Splendid Glory Lily seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Splendid Glory Lily timeline →