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any info on Spear Lily?
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Posted by chasmanthe 9/10 California (My Page) on Thu, Dec 18, 03 at 22:14
| Just discovered the Phormium tenax I inherited is a Spear Lily, Dorantha palmeri. Anyone have a clue about this statuesque critter? Can't find it in Hortiplex.
It's five feet tall, and I gather it makes bulbils. Shall I dig it up and share?
Thanks so much.
Mia in California |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: any info on Spear Lily?
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| Yes, it is similar to the Gymea Lily (Doryanthes excelsa) from Sydney but it occurs in border rainforests of subtropical northern NSW and Southeast Queensland. I have seen it growing on Mt. Warning in northern NSW on the edge of cliffs in open positions. It gets spectacular red flowers on 10 foot long stems. No idea on how cold tolerant it is although it is mainly found in cool but not cold mountainous areas. Andrew. |
RE: any info on Spear Lily?
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Are you sure it is Doryanthes palmeri, it is more likely to be Doryanthes excelsa as that is the the more commonly cultivated plant on the east coast of Australia. No matter which it is as they are both sought after and expensive plants even where they grow naturally.
This is rough tranlation from encyclopedia of Australian plants ( Elliot & Jones ) Doranthes are popular in cultivation, D. excelsia being introduced to England during the 1800s. my personal experience is 4 to 5 years before they develope a flower spike. They like well drained soils with some organic matter and respond well to light applications of fertilizer. Adaptable to partial or full sun and are highly suited to growing in large containers. They are tolerant of frosts although the flowers may be damaged. Even large clumps may be easily transplanted.
Seeds germinate easily without treatment.Clumps can be divided and suckers may be removed while small and planted elsewhere.
Hope this is enough information for you, and I add they are very popular as street plantings in Sydney (D excelsa)
Greg |
RE: any info on Spear Lily?
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you have better luck getting either of them but usually excelsa in the USA than here in Australia.
I had several growing in my garden in Los Angeles. The Hunting Libary in San Marino has a lovely clump growing and so does the LA Arboretum.
you can go to either place and get it identified |
RE: any info on Spear Lily?
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Doryanthes palmeri is very likley to survive frost or even a light snow. Its leaves are very tough and yes Mt Warning does ocasionally experience sleet and light snow.
At the top there is a Eucalypt species that is at its northern limit and grows all through the Blue Mountains area. ( I forget its name)
Ive been up there at 3am a few times on the 31st December and gee it has been cold.
Kris |
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