A massive rosette-forming lily of the Sydney region throwing up flower stems to 4m topped with a head of large red blooms. A bold architectural feature and bird magnet.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 4 m H × 2.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Gymea Lily
Doryanthes excelsa is a slow-growing perennial in the Doryanthaceae family, native to New South Wales. It reaches around 4 m tall and 2.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Gymea Lily
Gymea Lily suits warm-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Gymea Lily does best in free-draining, sandy and clay soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Gymea Lily performs well with relatively little water once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
Pruning & care
Prune Gymea Lily after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. For most gardens, it is low maintenance.
Using Gymea Lily in the garden
Gymea Lily earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and cut flowers for the vase.
Companion planting & design
Gymea Lily sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to low water use and warm-temperate climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Gymea Lily
Plant Sale lists Gymea Lily as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Use the quote builder above to ask about current stock, sizes and pricing.
