The Clivias at Babylonstoren

July 26th, 2019

September is the month of the Clivias at Babylonstoren.  We have an exceptional collection of these beautiful indigenous lilies, and celebrate their peak flowering time as a special highlight in our garden.

Along the stream at the bottom of the garden, a winding path meanders, shaded by old oaks and wild olives. Take the path to discover a magnificent array of over 9000 Clivia plants, with flowers in all shapes and colours, ranging through shades of yellow, peach, orange to deep red.

Clivias beneath a tree

These spectacular Clivias came from Hans Roos as a generous gift to his sister Karen Roos.

To complement the Clivias planted under the trees, we acquired the Mick Dower Clivia Collection, which is much- admired by Clivia enthusiasts and is regarded as one of the top Clivia collections in the world. This collection with all six Clivia species and many unusual hybrids was selected and bred by Mick Dower over many years.

Babylonstoren Clivias

Clivias at Babylonstoren

To show the Clivias in pots at their best, we are creating a 70m long special shade house, built in a curving tunnel shape amongst huge eucalyptus trees. This is a walk you do not want to miss when the Clivias are out in flower.

To learn more about our clivias join us for The Garden Tour, daily at 10am. Booking is essential.

 

More Clivias

Clivia Facts

 

-In spring and early summer, our garden boasts 9000 clivia plants. 

-Clivias are also known as bush lilies or Natal lilies. 

-The clivia plant family consists of six species.

-Some clivia species are poisonous. 

-The clivia plant is named after Lady Charlotte Florentina Clive, the Duchess of Northumberland, who was the granddaughter of Robert Clive. 

-Miniata means the colour of red lead.

 

Close up of the Clivia

 

 

Comments

  1. Emily Dibb says:

    Thank you so much, Terry, I am most excited to hear about this new project, and shall certainly come to visit you in September.

    I am hungry for news regarding anything at all to do with your garden, which is without equal in South Africa. We are so lucky to be near enough (Muizenberg) to reach you in an hour.

    Keep up the good work!

    Kid Regards,
    Emily.

  2. Hannie van Wieringen says:

    Looking forward to seeing this spectacular display of Clivias, when I am bringing 17 Dutch tourists to Babylonstoren on Sunday 9 September.
    I like the Pofadder Shade House– Viva for the Local is Lekker unique design.
    Greetings
    Hannie van Wieringen

  3. ann moneypenny says:

    Wow, this looks incredible. We are visiting in late Dec. so I don’t think we’ll be around for the flowering but hopefully the tunnel will remain a permanent fixture! Seems like it will be a magical walk at any time of the year. So excited for your trip to SA!

  4. Hester Coetzee says:

    briljant, ongelooflik vindingryk, kanie wag om dit te sien nie!!

  5. Jo Fitzmaurice says:

    A fabulous and novel take on the good old boring Clivia Shows of old.Really looking forward to visiting you soon.Please will you let us know when the Clivia display in the tunnel will be ready for viewing by the public.
    Enjoy these exciting times.
    Kind regards
    Laurie and Josie Fitzmaurice

  6. Jayson Clark says:

    Thanks for the invitation Terry. We will defiantly make a turn to see your latest exciting project. I believe that Babylonstoren is a national asset and we are luckey to have your dedicated team and magical property. Thank you for everything that you are doing for gardening, tourism and heritage in the province. You guys rock!

    Regards
    Jayson
    Cape Dutch Quarters-Tulbagh

  7. Felicity Cooper says:

    Thank you Terry Look forward to seeing Babylon and the Clivias in September What a treat to look forward to

  8. […] you know, September is clivia month at Babylonstoren. These famous indigenous lilies flower during September, with the first blooms […]

  9. Joy Smith says:

    Thank you, Gundula, for making our tour so memorable. Your gentle enthusiasm, knowledge and generosity made the whole experience very special. Babylonstoren is a VERY different garden with its lawns of camomile and thyme, banana-dillas, guavadillas and of course, the “Puffadder”.
    Thank you from the Saturday Flower Club – Rondebosch

  10. […] you visited Babylonstoren since our Clivia Month in September, you’ll most likely have taken a walk through the ‘Puff Adder” […]