Clivia in Deep Shade

Don discovered a clivia growing underneath a camellia in a shady part of a garden. Although this plant probably doesn't flower very well in such a dark position, it still looks lush and healthy. Clivias (Clivia miniata) are being more widely planted now than ever before, because they are green and leafy year-round and they thrive in shaded spots. The late winter to spring, salmon-coloured flowers are an added bonus. Clivias grow in all but the coldest areas of Australia, but they must be protected from frost.

Clivia hybrids have been developed with yellow and bright red flowers, and these are much sought after by collectors. In fact, enthusiasts are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for cream or yellow plants in flower or near ready to flower. These are usually plants that have been divided from a flowering plant, so they are guaranteed to be cream or yellow. If you're prepared to wait a few years for flowers, you can grow your own from seed (seeds cost around $5 each and will take five years to flower). Cream and yellow cultivars cost around $50 (more for older or flowering plants) and the red ones (called Belgian Hybrids) are priced at around $30. The high prices reflect the time clivias take to reach flowering size.

Further information

Look for potted clivias at your local nursery, or contact The Digger's Club at Dromana, Vic, phone (03) 5987 1877. Bulk seed can be ordered from Royston Petrie Seeds, Kenthurst, NSW, phone (02) 9654 1186.

Clivia Society of Australia
President: Bryan Paten, phone (03) 9803 3446 or 0429 430 640, email bryanpaten@iprimus.com.au
or Pen Penry, phone (08) 9405 1027, email cliviagdns@iprimus.com.au

Copyright CTC Productions 2001