Johannesburg - The vivid orange blooms of the indigenous bush lily or clivia (Clivia miniata) are a welcome sight in local gardens after the recent cold.
Clivias are low maintenance plants with a long lifespan. They are also easy to grow, whether grown in a shady border or planted in a container. This makes them ideal plants for beginner gardeners. For water-wise gardeners, it is worth noting that clivias have large roots which store nutrients and water for long periods.
If you are interested in seeing the various yellow and apricot-flowering clivia, diarise to attend Johannesburg’s annual clivia show (September 14 and 15) at Garden World in Muldersdrift.
“It is a ‘one-stop shop’ for clivia, with everything that gardeners require in one place; collectable specimens as well as bargain plants for sale, access to experts, and clivia care products,” says the Joburg Clivia Club’s, Glynn Middlewick.
As a long-standing organiser of the annual event, Middlewick says, “There is also the annual competition for best clivia on show, which features all the best plants from growers. It attracts hundreds of entries and is a showcase for the Clivia miniata, and its range of colours from light yellow and peach to delicately shaded bicolours, bronzes, reds, oranges with green or yellow throat.”
Clivia success
The three steps to growing clivia’s successfully, says Middlewick, is to avoid frost, avoid water logging and avoid direct sunlight. “Clivias do best in semi-shade (morning sun) or dappled sun/shade, but not full sun. They will grow in deep shade, but not flower as well. They will also grow in most types of garden soil, but not in clay,” he adds.
For masses of colourful blooms and healthy plants, plant them in a well-drained soil that is rich in compost. The soil texture will also be improved by adding lots of compost to the soil. Also add a handful of bonemeal to promote strong root growth.
Allow a space of 40-50cm inbetween each plant and make sure that they are planted at the same level as they were before in the nursery bags. Use compost or any other organic material as a mulch.
“Never plant clivias too deep,” he says. “Hollow out a shallow area, and add compost and leaf mould as well as bonemeal or superphosphate to feed the roots. Loosen the roots of the clivia and spread them out horizontally.
“Fill in the area making sure that the stem is at the same level as it was previously, in the pot or in the ground. If planted too deep the plant can rot. Water after planting to settle in the plant.”
Garden care
Clivias are tough, low maintenance and drought tolerant plants. Keep clivias moist from August onwards when they are forming their buds and flowering is important. During winter, watering can be reduced.
Apply a liquid fertiliser during winter as it encourages the growth of spring flowers. Thereafter, water once a week in summer (in the absence of rain), and fertilise (3:1:5) once or twice during the growing season.
Container clivias
Plant clivias in a good quality potting soil mix when potting up plants into a container. Three plants in a 35cm diameter container make a decorative pot on a patio or in the garden. Keep the container in a corner that is a lightly shaded spot. A densely shaded position will prevent them flowering well. Avoid placing the pots in full sunlight.
Keep plants moist at all times, but avoid overwatering as clivias loathe waterlogged soil. Clivias grown in containers need more fertilisation than those grown in the garden, so for best results fertilise container plants once every month.
Finally, watch out for lily borer, otherwise known as amaryllis caterpillar, which appears between October and April. “They tunnel into the meristem and can kill a plant,” he says. Squash by hand or spray with Garden Ripcord or Margaret Roberts Biological Caterpillar Insecticide.
Interested in clivias? Visit the Joburg Clivia Club Annual Clivia Show. September 14 and 15, 8.30am to 4pm. Garden World, Beyers Naudé Drive, Muldersdrift. Entrance is R10, children under 12 for free. Contact Glynn Middlewick on 082 650 1463 or visit www.gardenworld.co.za
GENERAL GARDENING TIPS
* Tansy and sweet basil are excellent insect repellents that can be grown near tomatoes and under fruit trees. Grow parsley, winter savoury or creeping rosemary under your roses.
* If you have a bare area in the garden that receives up to six hours of direct sunlight, it is an ideal spot to grow roses. Other requirements for healthy rose growth include planting them in a well draining soil with lots of added compost or other organic matter.
* Pot up a host of easy-to-grow summer annuals for children such as the brightly-coloured nasturtium or marigold. Plant alyssum to attract butterflies and bees. Edge a pot of lettuce with edible violets. Grow marjoram in a pot of spring onions and radishes – they’ll grow abundantly.
* It is time to spring-clean and feed lawns. Rake up old grass that has lodged beneath the top growth, then run the lawnmower over the lawn to trim down the raked “thatch”. This allows water, air, sunlight and fertiliser to reach the roots. Fertilise with a lawn fertiliser and water well after applying. - Saturday Star