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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Gymea Lily is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Gymea Lily after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Gymea Lily with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.