How to Grow Giant Scarborough Lily
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Giant Scarborough Lily
Nerine corusca var. corusca (major is a cultivar form)
flowerNerine corusca 'Major' is a stunning South African bulb producing tall spikes of brilliant red or orange-red star-shaped flowers with prominent stamens and a metallic sheen. This dramatic flowering plant thrives in warm, well-draining conditions and produces long-lasting blooms that are excellent for cutting. It's a somewhat tender bulb best grown in containers in cooler climates or outdoors year-round in warm zones.
When should you plant Giant Scarborough Lily in your zone?
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Example Giant Scarborough Lily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Giant Scarborough Lily
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Giant Scarborough Lily blooms
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Giant Scarborough Lily dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be container-grown in cooler zones (bring indoors in winter)
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Get my Giant Scarborough Lily timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy
6-8 weeks (summer)Bulbs rest with minimal or no foliage; stored in cool, dry conditions
Keep bulbs dry and cool (50-60°F). No watering. Check occasionally for rot.
Shoot Emergence
2-3 weeksGreen shoots emerge from bulb neck; strap-like leaves begin to unfold
Resume watering gradually as growth begins. Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer. Ensure maximum light exposure.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksLong, arching green strap-like leaves develop; foliage reaches 12-18 inches
Water moderately. Apply liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Support tall stems if needed. Maintain full sun.
Flowering
3-4 weeksTall flower stems (18-24 inches) emerge with umbels of 4-8 star-shaped red-orange flowers with glossy petals and prominent red stamens
Provide support stakes for tall stems. Continue watering but reduce after blooms open. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage longevity. Each flower lasts 7-10 days.
Post-Flowering & Dormancy Prep
4-6 weeksFlowers fade; foliage gradually yellows; bulb enters rest phase
Stop feeding. Reduce watering gradually. Allow foliage to yellow naturally before removing. Move to dry, cool location for dormancy.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestation is severe
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray insecticidal soap for heavy infestations
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Scrape off manually; treat with horticultural oil spray
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Ensure excellent drainage; never overwater; remove affected bulbs; use fungicide if necessary; sterilize soil
Uses
Ornamental Display Flower
CulinaryNerine corusca 'Major' is prized as a cut flower in floral arrangements and as a dramatic accent in bouquets due to its vibrant red-orange color and elegant form. [source]
Indoor Container Plant
HouseholdIdeal for growing in decorative pots indoors near sunny windows or in cool greenhouses in temperate regions, with the flexibility to move containers seasonally. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe bright red flowers and prominent stamens attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators in warm climates where the plant is grown outdoors. [source]
Long-Lasting Dried Flowers
CraftFlower stems can be dried upright in vases for long-lasting decorative arrangements, as the papery texture of the petals holds color well when dried. [source]
Traditional South African Uses
MedicinalIn its native South Africa, Nerine species have been used in traditional medicine, though modern medicinal applications are limited and scientific validation is ongoing. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flower stems in the morning when umbels are mostly open. Cut just above the bulb neck with clean, sharp scissors. Flowers last 7-14 days in a vase. Change water every 2-3 days. Use a floral preservative for longer vase life. Leave some foliage on the bulb to support bulb health.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Nerine corusca is named 'Scarborough Lily' after seeds that arrived in England aboard a ship called the 'Scarborough' in 1820; the plant subsequently thrived in Scarborough's cool Victorian greenhouses.
- 🌱 The flowers possess a distinctive metallic sheen and glistening appearance due to the structure of their petal surfaces, which reflects light and gives them an almost jewel-like quality.
- 🌱 This South African native is highly valued by florists and is sometimes called 'Spider Lily' because of the spider-like appearance of its prominent, spidery stamens.
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