Yellow Flame Lily

A rarer and more subtle relative of the famous Gloriosa superba, G. modesta (formerly Littonia modesta) is a tuberous climbing plant that is a delightful curiosity for the UK conservator or sheltered warm garden. It uses leaf-tip tendrils to climb up to about 1-1.5 metres. The flowers are beautiful, nodding, bell-shaped blooms of a pure, bright yellow, appearing in summer. It is not hardy (H2) and is best grown in a container that can be moved into a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory for the winter months. During the growing season, it enjoys a warm, sunny position protected from strong winds. The tubers are brittle and should be handled with care when repotting. It requires a well-drained, sandy potting mix and regular watering while in active growth. It is a perfect choice for gardeners looking for something unusual and elegant to grow over a small trellis or through other shrubs in a conservatory.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained, sandy potting compost.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug.