National Flowers | State Flowers | National Flower

The stunning red and yellow of the flame lily makes it especially prominent in the savannahs and warm regions of Southern Africa. Zimbabwe made the flame lily the national flower thanks to its prolific growth throughout the country as well as its notable beauty.

The Flame Lily of Zimbabwe

The large national flower of Zimbabwe is lovely as a cut flower but even prettier in its natural setting. The flame lily is a climbing lily that can reach heights of eight feet using soft tendrils to reach out to higher locations as it climbs. The flame lily can be found in the semi-shaded regions of the savannah and the state flower is especially fond of rocky outcroppings in the natural areas.

The bright flower of the flame lily combines red and yellow petals. The red of the flame lily features curving petals that form a loose ball shape. As the red petals taper back toward the green leaves and stem, they become yellow around the edges creating a bright yellow ring around the radiant center. The base of the bloom has the pistil and stamen circling the flower around the bottom much like clock hands.

The National Flower of Zimbabwe

The blossoms of the flame lily can reach as much as five inches across in their full state of fiery bloom. The large blossoms and thick stems of the flame lily make the plants especially popular with floral designers in tropical arrangements. The bold colors and the creeping nature of the plant make it just as lovely in the wild Savannah or in a carefully cultivated setting.

Growing Flame Lilies

Flame lilies grow from a bulb, and the flowers are very susceptible to cold weather. The bulbs should be planted after any chance of a freeze is past with the bulb on its side; the growing tip two or three inches below the ground. The soil for the flame lily should be well drained and be sure to locate the bulbs near a growing surface such as an arbor or trellis as the flame lilies grow on a climbing vine.

Once planted, the fire lily bulbs will double each year without a freeze increasing the number of large beautiful blossoms in your garden. The flame lilies are excellent for cutting flowers, but not cutting the flowers will increase the size of the plant as it continues to grow.