The mission of the Garden
is to inspire people of
all ages to connect with
plants and nature.
Plant of the Month
Photos:Herb Knufken and Rachel Cobb
Doryanthes palmeri
Common Name: Spear Lily
Growth Habit: These giant herbaceous perennials have sword-like evergreen leaves that are 6-10 feet long.
Cultural Requirements: Although somewhat drought tolerant, spear lilies like regular water and soils with some organic matter that drain well. They are tolerant of light shade and can grow in full sun, especially along the coast. They are slow growing so they take a few years to mature to blooming size.
Features/Uses: The large size and evergreen foliage make spear lilies spectacular specimen plants even without blooms. The upright flower spikes can be 6-10 feet tall with red flower clusters.
