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Photo by Stan Shebs

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Doryanthes palmeri

Also Known As

Spear Lily

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 3'-12'
W: 3'-10'

planting zones

10a-12

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Doryanthes palmeri plant details

Doryanthes palmeri is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring and summer red flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Doryanthes palmeri

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: doryanthaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT - 10 FT - wide, 3 FT - 12 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in spring and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Doryanthes palmeri

USDA Zones: 10a - 12
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Not a New Zealand Flax, nope this character grows in SE Queensland and Northern New South Wales - must be difficult during Sate of Origin (Google will explain). The large red flowers perch atop a 8 to 10 foot flower stalk, enticing pollinators from near and far. Give it some room to stretch out to reach its full potential.

By: Waltzing Matilija

Massively magnificent, long lived, EASY & SUPER RARE! Growing into a huge 8-12' tall & wide rosette with mega-HUGE 10-15' long, bird attracting, sanguine red flower stalks, it's a Summer bloomer but you'll have to wait ten years to see your first monsterous flowers. Totally worth it, plus it looks pretty year round with strappy & succulent spear-like leaves. Native to eastern Australia, it doesn't like hot temps (especially at night) making it perfect for the foggy Bay Area & coast. Drought tolerant, but stays a bit more chipper with regular water. Well drained soil.