‘Gloriosa’ by name and glorious by nature, this spectacular climber scrambles eagerly up any support, gripping with curled, leaf-tip tendrils, and embellished by remarkable blooms in high summer.

The wavy-edged petals of ‘Carsonii’ are a velvety, purple maroon, lined by a flash of bright yellow. These elongated petals rocket upwards, leaving the stamens displayed prominently beneath. Gloriosa is wonderful for clambering up a trellis in a sunny position, and for adding a touch of exotic flair to a glasshouse or conservatory.

These bulbs are best planted in a container, so they can easily be moved indoors to protect from winter frosts.

The 2^nd Baron Rothschild, credited with bringing this eye-catching bloom from Africa, was an unconventional character famed for harnessing four zebras to a carriage and driving them to Buckingham Palace.

Gloriosa ‘Rothschildiana’ is as eccentric and extraordinary as its namesake. Otherwise known as the ‘Flame Lily’, this supremely popular variety is fiery scarlet, edged by a flicker of yellow. The elongated, crimped petals curve dramatically backwards, revealing lime green stamens which stretch out beneath.

This tropical, tendrilled vine will quickly clamber up a support to create a spectacular summer display for a sunny position, glasshouse, or conservatory.