|
Kathy’s Garden Writing |
|
THE QUEEN OF HOUSEPLANTS To enjoy late winter blooms, no need to migrate south, or install an expensive greenhouse. After the holiday plants have faded, try the regal clivia (pronounced cly-vee-a) to brighten indoor décor. Exotic-looking and elegant, clivias first tweaked my interest at The Philadelphia Flower Show. Unfortunately, Americans have been slow to appreciate their many merits, playing it safe with more prosaic flowering houseplants. But their evergreen foliage, long bloom time, and longevity warrant consideration. Named after a nineteenth century English duchess, Charlotte Clive, these natives of South Africa sport many aliases – Bush Lily, Fire Lily, and The Queen of Houseplants, to name a few. They are related to the common amaryllis, but with a tangle of ropey roots rather than a fully-developed bulb. Sadly, predation by plant collectors has decimated the indigenous clivia population. But cultivated varieties are thriving, thanks to the devotion of growers working to create exciting innovations. “Breeding clivias is a love story, and most, if not all, clivia breeders will tell you that they do it for the love and passion of the plants” (American Clivia Society). Yes, Americans are finally discovering these underutilized beauties. Indeed, U.S. hybridizers, like the late David Jay Conway of Santa Barbara, are responsible for many of the new cultivars. Flower colors range from flaming orange and red, to mellow yellows, with every color variation imaginable in between. Blooms bedazzle for several weeks in March and April, with ten to 20 lily-shaped flowers atop erect stems. Some species delay their opening until fall, and a few delight with repeat bloom. Perhaps best of all, the foliage is striking, with one-to-three-foot strap-shaped leaves arching symmetrically from a central core. So even when not in bloom, clivias boast an attractive silhouette -- no need to hide this plant in the spare bedroom after bloom-time. Cultural requirements are fairly simple. Count on many years in the same pot, especially with the tonic of an organic top dressing every few years, and regular fertilization. Morning light pleases them indoors; and summers are best spent outdoors in dappled shade. Water only when the top inch of soil dries. In the fall, move them indoors, allowing a period of drought and cool temperatures for a month or so to encourage flowering. With such an easy-going nature, why have clivias not been more frequent houseguests in American homes? First, they are hard to find at the local garden center. With catalogue and internet shopping, however, this obstacle is easily overcome. Secondly, they require a certain maturity before they start blooming. If you’re impatient, make sure you purchase a three- to five-year-old plant. Third, their cost can be intimidating; but increased interest is encouraging more growers and thus driving down price. One U.S. supplier in particular is noteworthy for its offerings (46 varieties at last count). Upon the death of Mr. Conway in 2003, an Indiana-based nursery took over his collection. Check out Shields Gardens Ltd., (317) 867-3344 for a catalogue, or browse their very informative website at shieldsgardens.com. So if mud season leaves you mired in the house, consider “The Queen of Houseplants” for the promise of spring. Kathleen Arcuri Published January 6, 2008 – The Danville Daily Item |