Clivias were once only grown in the darkest, shadiest parts of older gardens and they are now at the height of popularity. Clivias will tolerate low water requirement once they have become established.
Most clivia flowers come in shades of orange. A few choice varieties bloom in bright red, yellow or cream, but these are not always available.

CLIVIA
These plants were named after the Duchess of Northumberland (Lady Charlotte Clive) who first cultivated and flowered the foremost specimen in England.
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Common names: Bush lily (English); Boslelie (Afrikaans); umayime (Zulu)
Clivia are indigenous to Southern Africa, signifying that they do not occur naturally anyplace else in the world! The wild bush lily grows in the forests of Kwazulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Empumalanga and Swaziland. Their habitat may diverge from subtropical coastal forest to ravines in the high altitude forest. The Clivia grows in dappled shade and frequently in large colonies. The soil type is well drained and rich in humus. Occasionally these plants may be found growing in the forks of trees. The rhizomes are according to reports, extremely toxic but are used medicinally for various purposes.

CLIVIA Miniata
An evergreen clump forming plant with dark green strap like leaves, and bearing large heads of orange to orange-red flowers in spring.
Height 50 cm and width 40 cm.

Miniata Belgium Hybrid
Belgium strain of clivias commonly have broad leaves and feature a more compact habit than strap miniata. The broader leaf and compact habit makes them an ideal feature pot plant and are ideal planting in a garden as well. The wider leaf makes them tender to sun damage, so keep them well shaded. Belgium have reasonably uniform tulip shaped orange flowers that are superior to strap miniata type flowers but not as spectacular as the old Belgium hybrid strain.

Miniata var. Citrina
Imported from their natural home in South Africa, these seventh generation Clivia plants are hard to find in golden varieties.
Their flowers are a delicate pale lemon and have the elegant yet solid appearance of a Frangipani (Plumeria acutifolia). Clivias make great border plants growing around under trees. Flowering in the spring these bright flowers will brighten up any dark spot under trees.

Miniata Daruma
A tall growing plant with broad, dark green, strap like leaves which form solid clumps. Above the foliage are clusters of large, orange trumpet shaped flowers. Grown as single specimens the plants will effectively provide focal features throughout the garden.
This variety will grow to a height of 45 cm and 70 cm wide. Spring flowering.

Miniata Red
This is a evergreen clump forming perennial which originated from South Africa. Their leaves are dark green and strap-like, with their exquisite vivid red flowers produced on stunning heads in the spring.
They will grow to a height of 50 cm and width 60cm.

Minata Sahin Twins
They are called Twins as they often flower twice per year - in Autumn and again in Spring. A low growing, broadleaf variety, ideal for growing on a patio, used as a tub specimen or planting in the ground in a shady position. This variety will grow to a height of 45 cm and 70 cm wide. Their orange clustered flowers are heavy bloomers and are followed by attractive, red, berry-like fruit. Spring flowering. Sahin Twin are considered as one of the appealing orange flowering clivias in the world. It is an ideal plant for a shady area or can be used as a indoor plant.

Minata Sunset Apricot
This is ideal for mass planting in difficult areas, such as under established trees. The plants can cope with periods of extended dryness once they are established. The striking, clusters of apricot coloured, trumpet-shaped flowers are borne on dark green, strap-like leaves in solid clumps. This variety will grow to a height of 45 cm and 70 cm wide. Spring flowering.

TIPS ON GROWING CLIVIAS:

Position
Clivias will grow at there best in light shade and partially frost-free climates. Both hard sun and frost will burn their broad leaves. In cold climates you can grow clivias in pots which then can be moved into more protection through the cold winter season. Clivias thrive on low maintenance and are perfect as border plants, under trees, tucked under house eaves or planted in containers. They can tolerate drought and will endure some coastal areas.

Soil Type
Improve the planting area before inserting them into the ground by digging in some well-rotted compost and a small amount of Dynamic Lifter pellets. Clivias prefer good drainage and once they are established, they are remarkably drought hardy.

Fertilising Your Plants
Feed immediately after flowering with a general purpose fertiliser. Sprinkled an organic fertiliser (Dynamic Lifter) around the plants in the spring and again in late summer through to winter watering every two to three weeks with a liquid fertilizer such as Power Feed or Thrive Soluble Plant Food.

Pests
Clivias aren't bothered by many pests, but their strappy leaves are favourite hiding places for slugs snails and. Sprinkle some slug and snail pellets (Blitzem or Baysol) among the leaves. If you have household pets to protect, place the pellets in a pet-proof container. Probably the most damaging pest that causes problems for clivias is the lily caterpillar. These caterpillars are the larvae of a moth. Because they're usually present in large numbers, they are capable of completely destroying a clivia clump. The cycle starts when the moth lays its eggs on the leaves. After hatching, the small caterpillars begin to chew along the leaf surface but as the caterpillars grow bigger, they eat more and more of the leaf. If an infestation is severe, the caterpillars will eat their way right down into the base of the plant. Eventually in the worst instances, the plant will rot away completely.
Keep a careful watch out for the first signs of caterpillar activity because this problem's much easier to solve in its early stages. Synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, Baythroid, is a very effective, this is a low toxic control. For best results, apply Baythroid to all the leaf surfaces and make sure that the spray penetrates well down into the base of the plant.

Propagating Clivias
Clivias are generally propagated by dividing established clumps, but they can also be grown from seed. When the round, berry-like fruit is soft and well-coloured, remove the outer fleshy coating and sow the round seeds into pots of Seed Raising Mix. Although they do not take very long to germinate, you will need patience if you are growing them from seed.
Planting seeds can be quite rewarding and occasionally yield a surprise in a variation. Most important, the seeds must not be buried, but rather slightly depressed into the growing medium with about half of it open so it can photosynthesize. When the first root develops, sometimes you may have to help bury it into the soil. The first year of growth will develop 2-4 leaves and the second year 4-8 leaves. Generally flowers appear within the fourth year.