Natal Lily

Clivia miniata (sometimes known as Natal Lily) is a species of clivia from South Africa. It grows to a height of about 16 inches in the shade of trees and shrubs. Flowers are red orange or yellow with a faint but very sweet perfume. It is also sometimes known as Kaffir Lily”.Clivia miniata is a clump forming perennial with dark green strap shaped leaves which arise from a fleshy underground stem. The flowering heads of brilliant colored trumpet shaped flowers appear mainly in spring but also sporadically at other times of the year. The deep green shiny leaves are a perfect backdrop for the masses of orange flowers.Clivia are endemic to South Africa. They do not occur naturally anywhere else in the world. Southern California is a perfect place for them because the climates are so similar. Their wild habitat may vary from subtropical coastal forest to ravines in high altitude forests. Clivia grows in dappled shade often in large colonies in the wild. The soil however is well drained and humus rich. Occasionally clivia may be found growing in the fork of a tree.