Clivia nobilis aka Green Tip Forest Lily

Clivia nobilis is an evergreen perennial from South Africa’s Eastern Cape. It belongs to the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae. Its common names include green-tip forest lily and greentip Natal lily. It grows in clumps and keeps its leaves year-round. Kew lists it as a plant of subtropical climates. In cultivation, it suits pots, greenhouses, conservatories, and indoor displays.

The plant has long, strap-shaped leaves and an upright form. The RHS gives a garden height of about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Its spread can reach about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] too. Upright flower stems rise from the leafy clump. Each bears an umbel of curved, tubular blooms. The flowers measure about 0.10–0.13 feet [0.03–0.04 metres] long. Their hanging clusters contrast with the upright stems and leaves.

The RHS describes red and yellow flowers in spring and summer. Chicago Botanic Garden records bloom from March through June. Its account describes orange flowers with pale green tips. Each flower stalk can carry 20 to 60 blooms. Chicago lists the plant for borders and as a specimen. It also reports visits from birds and butterflies. Seed-grown plants can take at least six years to flower. Once established, a plant may live for many decades.

Under glass, give it bright light filtered from hot sun. Chicago also lists partial shade and full shade. Use peat-free, loam-based compost with leaf mould and grit. Good drainage matters, though the RHS lists several suitable soil types. It accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Water well in summer, then keep the compost barely damp in winter. Feed weekly during growth until flower buds form. The RHS rates it H1C, with summer outdoor use in the UK. Chicago lists USDA zones 9–11.

Avoid frequent repotting, since root disturbance can upset the plant. A confined root space helps it flower. No pruning is needed, which keeps routine care fairly simple. Mealybugs may attack it, but the RHS reports few disease problems. Sow ripe seed at 16–21°C to raise new plants. Division offers another way to propagate established clumps. Do this in late winter or early spring. Allow time for young plants to develop before expecting flowers.