…’Cause, I did say there would be no more Clivia posts for this year but I didn’t account for my wicked sister, Sandra. Sandra is responsible, directly or indirectly, for all the Clivias in this post.
The top photo is a Clivia from my garden in Perth. It was the very last to flower. Sandra gave it to me 12 years ago and it has thrived on neglect. Well, not really thrived. It hasn’t multiplied much in those years but it did produce these wonderful flowers this year.
After my last Clivia post, I did go back to Clivia Classiques and I did buy one last Clivia but I don’t have a flower to show. I did a circuit of the nursery before zooming in on a particularly spectacular specimen. I asked Paul, the proprietor, the price and was told “It is not for sale.” I certainly have a good eye. I then asked whether he had another that was not in flower. He did but, again, “It (was) not for sale.” Paul then pointed out one with a similar flower, not so spectacular (a cross with the one I wanted) but I couldn’t even have that one. He, eventually, agreed to sell me a flowerless cross. He is a hard man 🙂
When Sandra suggested she might revisit Clivia Classiques, I asked her to see if a Waltzing Matilda was available. On a previous visit, I had spied a huge one which was magnificent. Waltzing Matilda is pretty unique, if only for the fact that it has a name – most don’t. Anyway, this one is different from the one I saw. The plants are grown from seed, therefore, unless you have seen a flower on the plant you intend to buy, you can’t be certain what the flower will be like. That is why Paul, usually, sells his plants in flower. It was a good choice, as it turns out, because this one is more yellow than any I have.
Whilst Sandra was at the nursery, she spied some peach Clivias and decided I needed one. It is very speccy. It is different from any I have thus a welcome addition.
Now, this really is it for this year. And, don’t forget, if you are looking for a low maintenance plant for a shaded position, Clivias are definitely worth considering. They don’t mind competition with their roots so they are fine under trees, etc, where a lot of other plants struggle. But, alas, if you want to buy them in flower, you have to wait 11 months.
Passion Fruit Garden 
Sure, blame your sister. That’s ok, a flower post is almost as good as getting a fresh bouquet. They’re all beautiful to look at. I have to say you’re right, that proprietor is a tough one.
Glorious blooms. Last time we were up the coast my MIL gave us a tour of the numerous clivias she has potted up for us. We’re looking forward to adding their citrus hues to our garden. And we’ll keep an eye out for more 🙂
You will have to take photos next year so we can do a show and tell 🙂
Hi I love Clivias too, and visit the same store most often to visit and pick up tips. We live just down the road on 5 acres and also a property in Kulicup so I love your posts especially the problems between two houses. I am growing the Clivias from seed and this is my first year in bulk. Fingers crossed. Talk to Paul’s wife she is great on tips for growing from seeds. I also have 150 roses so appreciate your rose posts as well. Keep up the great work!
Hi Julie, I had never heard of Kulicup so I looked it up. How embarrassing it that? Where is down the road? You are not in Bridgetown too are you? If so, we should catch up. I have about 150 roses between the two places too. You have given me an idea for a post: the pros and CONS of living in two houses 🙂 Paul gave me some tips on how to grow clivias from seed. I am definitely going to try this year. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. BTW I know your name is not that unusual but you didn’t work in the ATO years ago by any chance did you?
Glorious! I have orange ones in the fernery and they are in full bloom! xx
Hi Liz, where are the photos??