Gloriosa is a tropical or subtropical genus in the Colchicaceae family from Africa and India, possibly consisting of only one very variable species. They have tubers with long fingers. Gloriosas are summer-growers needing warm temperatures, but can be grown in greenhouses and dried off and kept warm in winter. They need support as they twine.
Gloriosa superba. Gorgeous, colouful flowers in late simmer makes Gloriosas exciting in the garden and in the vase.
They make long lasting corsages and come in shades and combinations of yellow, red and orange. Gloriosas may be grown in full sun, but partial shade is advisable in hot and dry districts. Drainage is very important, to make sure they perform well for a good display. Photos by Bill Dijk show the variations in color.
Here is another photo by Sheila Burrow showing the "glorious" detail of the individual flowers.
This picture by Mary Sue Ittner of plants growing in her greenhouse in coastal Northern California (where they do much better than outside, perhaps because they prefer the warmer temperatures day and night in summer and the protection from wind) shows why they need space and support.
An extra frilly form with yellow & orange coloration. Grows as a perennial outdoors to zone 8b. Photos by Alani Davis.
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