Clivia miniata

An evergreen, clump-forming plant that grows up to 1m tall.

Large, bright orange trumpet-shaped flowers are produced on tall stems from late winter to early summer, and sporadically throughout the year. These flowers are followed by red, cherry-like fruit. This species is the showiest of all clivia, with many coloured variants. Clivia miniata var. miniata consists of orange and red flowering forms, whereas C. miniata var. citrina consists of cream and yellow shades. All Clivia species are evergreen, with strap-shaped leaves and thick fleshy roots that are well equipped for storing water.

Dappled shade is the most suitable location for growing clivia outdoors. They will also thrive in heavy shade but may flower erratically. When planted in full sun, the foliage turns yellow and scorches. Clivia also tolerate poor, dry soils.

Always choose healthy, well-grown plants and plant after autumn rains. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball, press in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser. After this, apply organic fertiliser (such as blood and bone) at a handful per square metre. Plant approximately 80cm apart.

Apply mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed every spring with a balanced fertiliser (such as blood and bone) at a handful per square metre. Slug bait may be required as buds form, as they are susceptible to damage.

Once planted, clivia prefer to remain undisturbed for many years. Best flowering results are obtained from well-established clumps. They can be left in the same position for ten years or more and only lifted and divided once flowering diminishes. Division of the vertical rhizomatous rootstock is the most reliable method of propagating plants. The ideal time to divide is in early summer, immediately after flowering. The autumn flowering C. gardenii can also be divided at this time. Large overgrown clumps can be dug up and prised apart with the help of two forks placed back-to-back, or by cutting off individual plants using a spade or sharp knife. Be sure to retain as much root as possible, remove a few leaves to reduce water loss and replant as soon as possible. Newly divided clivia will usually not flower for a few years until well established.

Some clones of C. miniata reproduce by suckers. C. gardenii also suckers prolifically. Another way to produce more plants is by seed. The seeds should be collected once they have turned bright red (red-flowered forms) or yellow (yellow-flowered forms).
Break open the outer fleshy layer of each berry, remove the large, translucent seeds and clean in a bowl of water. Alternatively, lightly crush the fruits and leave to dry for a few days. Press each seed into a pot of 50% fine bark and 50% pumice mix. Make sure only half of each seed is covered. Place the pot in a shaded corner and keep water to a minimum while germination takes place, as too much will rot the seed.

Germination usually takes place in about four to six weeks. Seedlings of C. miniata generally take three or four years to flower, as do C. caulescens and C. gardenii.

Birds enjoy and disperse the fleshy seeds.

Relatively free of pests and diseases however could get mealy bug if grown in a glasshouse.

Urban Trees

This variable species was first described in 1854. It is the only species with large rounded umbels of trumpet-shaped upright flowers. This species is the showiest with all its coloured variants. C. miniata var. miniata consists of the orange and red forms and C. miniata var. citrina the cream and yellow shades. C. miniata var. miniata occurs in the Eastern Cape KwaZulu-Natal Swaziland and Mpuma langa. Flowering periods extend from late winter until early summer and sporadically at any other time of the year. This is the most commonly grown species and horticulturally the most important, taking into account it s ease of cultivation free-flowering and huge potential for breeding purposes. C. miniata var. citrina was first discovered in about 1888 in Zululand KwaZulu-Natal and since then many other variants have been collected together with numerous hybrids and selections having been made in cultivation. Some of these selections are now being made available.