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Australian Native Plants

Growing gymea lilies

20 years ago

Hello,

I've been given some Doryanthes palmeri (spear lily) seeds and I'm a bit confused about how to treat them. I imagine they'd receive the same treatment as excelsa. Some sources have told me that they need to be burnt before planting and some have told me they need to be soaked in boiling hot water. As they're native to cliff faces in rainforest areas I doubt that burning them would be correct however I still need some guidance. Can anyone tell me if there's anything I need to do to these seeds before planting or what types of soil I should be planting them in? I know that they like a northwards facing cliff top but that's about it!

Thanks for you help!

Lauren

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Comments (7)

mallee
20 years ago
Lauren, in Murray Ralph's book on 'Growing Australian Native Plants from seed', he says that Doryanthus are easily grown from seed. Sow in Autumn. For D. excelsa, seed less than 1-2years old germinates in 8 weeks. Fresh seed of D. palmeri germinates reliably in a few weeks.
nathanhurst
20 years ago
The problem is that they don't flower for many years. Gardening Australia had a segment on a guy who is using meristem cloning.

Here is a link that might be useful: Gymea lily segment
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Frank_S
20 years ago
Nathan,

That link was interesting though I had heard of the stone trick before. However, I would not be as dogmatic about some of the "facts" presented in the ABC "fact sheet", which states:

"Doryanthes grow well in coastal areas from Brisbane to Perth. They also grow in cooler climates, but be careful because the flower stems and leaves may be damaged by frost."

Spear lilies also grow well, right up the top of the Bunya Mountains, at the edge of a steep cliff in rock fissures. I am sure that frost would be present there. The Bunyas, as you would be aware, are not exactly "in (a) coastal area".

Cheers,
Frank
roysta
20 years ago
One of the best areas I've seen for D. excelsa is inland from Gosford on the NSW Central Coast.
This zone is about 25-30kms from the coast and temperatures can certainly range down to a minimum of 0-2 degrees on a winter morning.
So Frank, you're pretty spot on with your summing up.

Roy
Wooroonooran
20 years ago
Doryanthes palmeri seeds require no special treatment before sowing. I suggest soaking them in water overnight before planting.

They dont occur solely on north facing cliffs they can also occur in sclerophyll forests in 'normal' situations, but yes they can be prolific on cliffs.

I have several in the garden with all growing superbly, be they faster than D. excelsa, but I have had excelsa flower quicker than the palmeri.

As long as they have well drained soils they will grow well in sun or shade, cold or hot.

They are growing D. palmeri in NQ without a problem.

Regards from Kris
laurenkeet
Original Author
20 years ago
Hi Everyone - thanks for your help! I really appreciate it.

Lauren
paulmaestri_optusnet_com_au
15 years ago
Hi, I'm in Sydney's northern beaches area.
I have a 10 year old established Parlmeri I'd like to transplant.
Will they tolerate a transplant and if so, what time of year and method would you suggest ?
Regards,

Paul.

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