This perennial sub-shrub forms a rounded clump with many sword-shaped curved leaves that reach up to 2m (6ft) from a central rosette. The red funnel-shaped flowers appear in a large cluster on the top of a stem up to 6m (20ft) tall in summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Doryanthes excelsa is naturally found in Australia growing on the east coast near Sydney in open forests and on rocky hill sides.

It prefers a well drained moderately fertile moist to dry sandy soil in an open sunny to semi shaded position and is drought tolerant but frost tender.

The Gymea Lily is grown for its architectural habit and attractive terminal flowers. It is planted in large gardens or parks as a specimen or in groups amongst rock outcrops. It is also used in roadside plantings or on embankments. It is suitable for coastal regions establishing in 4 to 6 years and flowers within 10 years. It can be grown in tubs or planter boxes and the flowers are used in floral arrangements. Large plants are easily transplanted into new gardens for an instant effect and the flowers attract nectar and insect eating birds.ID 81

Doryanthes(dor-ee-ANTH-eez) excelsa(ek-SEL-sa)

Agavaceae(ah-gav-AY-see-ee)