Photo credit: Michael Lemmon

Clivia Miniata

The Clivia  is a tropical stand-out and will grab your attention with its striking orange flowers and deep green leaves.

Part of the amaryllis family but commonly called a “Bush lily,” it is native to South Africa and was first collected by British explorer William Burchell in 1813.

 This specimen, now blooming at Baltimore’s Rawlings Conservatory in Druid Hill Park, is called a Clivia Miniata and is one of the most common.

Clivias prefer bright light but will do best in shade if moved outdoors. In order to bloom they require a brief rest period, generally 12-14 weeks without watering.

Best in USDA zones 9-11 but will do fine if brought indoors for winter.