Doryanthes - Spear Lily

(Doryan'thes)

DESCRIPTION: These tender perennials, known as Spear Lilies, are natives to Australia. They may be grown outdoors in warm regions; otherwise, they should be grown indoors. D. palmeri grows from 6 to 8 feet high with a spread of 8 feet. Its leaves are arching, sword-shaped, fleshy and green. They grow up to 6 feet long. The small flowers are produced intermittently in compact panicles. They have red bracts and are orange-red and white inside.

POTTING: The best compost to use for the Spear Lilies is equal parts of loam and leaf mold with a good amount of sand added. They should be given plenty of water while they are growing actively, and enough to keep the soil just moist in the winter.

PROPAGATION: Seeds can be sown in the spring, bulbils may be planted, or suckers, after they've finished blooming.

VARIETIES: D. Palmeri; D. excelsa; D. Guilfoylei.

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