Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily

Doryanthes excels - Gymea Lily
Doryanthes excelsa - Gymea lily
Doryanthes excelsa - Gymea lily

The Gymea lily is a stunning, architectural plant, with an upright, clumping growth habit and large sword shaped leaves. It makes an eye catching feature plant when in flower, with long stems which can reach from 2 to 4 metres tall, topped by a large, rich red flower head. Prefers a deep, well drained soil in sun or shade, and can be grown in large containers. It is very easy to maintain by simply cutting off the old flower heads and removing any dead or dying foliage in autumn. The flowers are rich in nectar, often being visited by birds, bees and other insects. Naturally grows on the NSW central coast, but happy in a wider range, foliage is frost resistant, but flowers buds can be damaged by heavy frost.

Family : Doryanthaceae

Cultivar Name:

Plant Type : Clumping perennial

Width : 3

Flowering Time : Spring, Summer, Autumn

Soil Type : Clay, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Poor soil

Climate Zone : Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean

Growth Habit : Evergreen

Soil Moisture : Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage

Special Uses : Cut flower, Erosion control, Pollution tolerant, Playground friendly

Scientific Name: Doryanthes excelsa

Common Name : Gymea Lily

Height : 4

Flower Color : Red

pH Level : Acid, Neutral

Plant Environment : Low maintenance garden, Container growing, Coastal garden, Drought resistant

Light : Sunny, Light shade, Half shade

Lifespan : Perennial

Frost Tolerance : Tolerates light frost

Attracts Wildlife : Bees, Nectar eating birds, Butterflies, Other insects