Family: Doryanthaceae
Scientific name: Doryanthes palmeri
Common name: Giant Spear Lily
Origin: Australia

The Giant Spear Lily produces a beautiful, impressive, up to 5 meters high inflorescence that hangs down by the weight at the end. The bright red flowers grow in clusters and are each around 10 cm. The plant originally grew in the coastal areas of Queensland and New South Wales and is nowadays rarely seen in the wild.The plant can withstand temperatures down to -4 degrees Celsius and likes a sunny spot.

Sowing description: First soak the seeds overnight in lukewarm water. Then sow them in sowing mix and let them germinate at around 25 degC. Thereby keep the soil constantly moist. The germination can be stimulated by mixing some wood ash to the soil. 

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: -4 degrees Celcius

Photo: Jardin Exotique de Roscoff