Doryanthes palmeri

RHS Plant Profile
spear lily
Cactus Succulent Conservatory Greenhouse

A tender succulent up to 2.5m high and 3m wide, with rosettes of linear or lance-shaped, lush, bright green leaves, 2.5-3m long, which are upright then arching; mature plants produce stems, 3-4m long, also erect then arching, with smaller leaves and dense, oblong panicles, up to 1m long, of deep red bracts enclosing tubular flowers, 4-6cm long, rich red or red-brown outside and pale red or white inside, in late spring

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Doryanthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Suckering
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Australia

How to Grow

Cultivation

In frost-prone areas, grow outside in full sun only in summer, and overwinter in a cool greenhouse in full light, in containers in peat-free, loam-based potting compost; in the growing season, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, but keep just moist in winter. In frost-free areas, grow in humus-rich, well-drained soil in sun, with plenty of water in the growing season, but keep dry in winter as mature plants may withstand several degrees of frost if kept dry

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 10-13°C in spring, by division of mature bulbils, which are occasionally produced on flower stems, or by division, removing suckers which are produced after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free