Bush lily Clivia miniata var. citrina
ABOUT
Clivia miniata var. citrina, commonly known as the yellow clivia, is an evergreen perennial plant noted for its striking appearance. Its foliage consists of dark green, strap-shaped leaves that emerge from a central base, creating a symmetrical and lush appearance. These leaves are smooth and have a leathery texture. The most distinctive feature of the yellow clivia is its flowers. They bloom in clusters atop a sturdy stalk that rises from the center of the plant's leaf base. Each cluster consists of trumpet-shaped flowers with a soft, lemon-yellow color, which gives this variety its common name. The flowers are typically arranged in an umbrella-like formation and have a delicate texture that contrasts with the robust foliage. The overall impression of the yellow clivia is of a plant that is both elegant and robust, with its showy blooms providing a splash of color against the backdrop of dark green leaves. The vivid yellow of the flowers makes this plant a desirable choice for adding brightness to indoor spaces or shaded garden areas.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaryllidaceae
Synonyms
Bush Lily, Natal Lily, Kaffir Lily, Yellow Clivia
Common names
Clivia miniata var. citrina.
ToxicityTo humans
Bush Lily, commonly known as Bush Lily, contains lycorine and other related alkaloids that can be toxic to humans if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and excessive salivation. In severe cases, dehydration, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias may occur. It is essential to seek medical attention if any parts of the plant are ingested or if poisoning is suspected.
To pets
Bush Lily is toxic to pets due to the presence of compounds such as lycorine among other alkaloids. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, symptoms like vomiting, salvation, diarrhea, and lethargy can occur. In more serious cases, ingestion can lead to tremors or cardiac arrhythmias. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if their pet has ingested Bush Lily.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Dark green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Care For: Clivia miniata var. citrina, commonly known as Bush Lily, is well known for its low maintenance requirements, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those new to plant care.
- Shade Tolerant: Bush Lily thrives in shady areas where other plants might not grow as well, which is perfect for gardens with limited direct sunlight.
- Drought Resistant: It is relatively drought-tolerant once established, so it doesn't require frequent watering, reducing the need for constant attention and saving water resources.
- Attracts Pollinators: The trumpet-shaped flowers of the Bush Lily are known to attract a variety of pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, helping to support the local ecosystem.
- Long Blooming Period: With a blooming season that extends from late winter into spring, Bush Lily provides color and interest in the garden when few other plants are in flower.
- Architectural Interest: The strap-like leaves and bold flower clusters of the Bush Lily add a strong architectural element to both indoor and outdoor planting arrangements.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some other ornamental plants, Bush Lily is not known to be invasive, so it won’t overtake garden spaces or natural habitats.
- Evergreen Foliage: As an evergreen plant, Bush Lily provides year-round interest and greenery in the garden, even when it is not in bloom.
- Clumping Growth Habit: The clumping nature of Bush Lily can help with soil erosion control, as its roots bind the soil effectively.
- Gift Plant: Due to its attractive flowers and ease of care, Bush Lily is often given as a gift plant for events such as housewarmings or as a Mother's Day plant.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Clivia miniata, commonly known as Bush Lily, can be used in floral arrangements due to its bold and vibrant flowers which provide a tropical touch to bouquets.
- The sap of the Bush Lily can be used as a temporary adhesive for small items as it has sticky properties when fresh.
- Due to the durable nature of its leaves, Bush Lily foliage can be woven into decorative items like placemats or wreaths for festive decoration.
- The seeds of the Bush Lily, which are quite fleshy and brightly colored, may be used for crafting beads or other ornamental objects by drying and piercing them.
- The Bush Lily's leaves can be used as a natural polish for wooden furniture by rubbing the leaf's surface on the wood to impart a gentle shine.
- During educational activities, parts of the Bush Lily can be used to teach plant biology and morphology because of its easily distinguishable parts.
- The Bush Lily can be grown as a companion plant with certain vegetables to provide shade and improve microclimate conditions in the vegetable garden.
- The bright flowers of the Bush Lily can be used as natural dyes for fabrics and yarns when processed properly.
- Photographers might utilize the Bush Lily as a subject or background in plant and flower photography because of its aesthetic appeal.
- The Bush Lily can serve as a learning tool for horticultural students, offering lessons in propagation and care specific to rhizomatous perennials.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clivia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clivia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: Clivia miniata var. citrina, known as the Citrus Clivia, is often related to the concept of beauty because of its vibrant flowers and striking appearance.
- Perseverance: As it is a hardy plant that can withstand less than ideal conditions, the Citrus Clivia symbolizes the ability to persevere through tough times.
- Rebirth and Renewal: The Citrus Clivia blooms annually, representing cycles of rebirth and renewal as it returns with bright flowers each season.
- Patience: Clivia plants take time to bloom, often requiring several years to flower for the first time, symbolizing the virtue of patience.
WaterThe Bush Lily should be watered thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Typically, this means providing water every 7 to 10 days, depending on environmental conditions such as light and temperature. When watering, use enough water so that it runs out of the drainage holes—about one to two gallons for a large plant. During the winter, reduce watering frequency to every 3 to 4 weeks since the plant is dormant and uses less water.
LightBush Lilies prefer bright, indirect light. They thrive in a location where they can receive filtered sunlight, such as near a north or east-facing window. Direct sun, particularly in hotter climates, can scorch the leaves, so it is best to avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
TemperatureBush Lilies do well in temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can handle a brief dip down to 40 degrees but sustained cold or frost can damage or kill the plant. Ideal growing conditions mimic their native subtropical habitat, so a consistently warm environment is best, avoiding cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
PruningPruning the Bush Lily is mostly done to remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flower stems to encourage healthy new growth and maintain the plant's appearance. This can be done as needed throughout the year, but the best time for heavier pruning is right after flowering has finished. Typically, pruning once or twice a year is sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Bush Lily is well-draining and rich in organic matter, such as a blend of loam, peat, and perlite or sand. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, around 5.5 to 6.5.
RepottingBush Lily should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. This encourages flowering and plant health.
Humidity & MistingBush Lily thrives in average indoor humidity levels, around 40-60%. No special humidity adjustments are necessary.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep away from drafts for Bush Lily.
Outdoor
Place in dappled shade and protect from frost for Bush Lily.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleClivia miniata var. citrina, commonly known as the Citron Clivia, begins its life cycle as a seed which, once sown in well-draining soil and given sufficient warmth and moisture, will germinate. The emergent seedling grows into a vegetative stage, developing long, strappy green leaves and forming a robust underground bulb from which further growth emerges. Over the next few years, as it matures, the plant increases in size and the bulb stores energy necessary for flowering. Once mature, typically after 3-5 years, the Citron Clivia blooms in late winter to early spring, producing umbels of trumpet-shaped yellow flowers. After pollination, which can occur naturally or be assisted by a gardener, the plant develops berries that contain seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in late fall, requiring less water, until the cycle begins anew with the return of the growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Clivia miniata var. citrina, commonly known as 'Yellow Clivia' or 'Citrina Clivia', is often propagated through division. The best time for dividing Clivia plants is in the late winter or very early spring, just before they begin their new growth cycle. To propagate through division, carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the offsets, which are the smaller plants that stem from the base of the mature plant. Each divided offset should have at least one healthy fan of leaves and a portion of the roots. After separating, allow the offsets to dry for a few hours to form a callus on the cut surfaces, helping to prevent rot. Plant the divisions in their own pots with well-draining soil, water them well, and maintain a warm temperature to encourage root development.
