Why the Gloriosa Lily Is Worshipped, Feared, and Banned—All at Once
If you’re looking for flowers that make a statement, the stunning, magnificent gloriosa lily is always a perfect choice. Also known as the flame lily or climbing lily, these dramatic blooms are loved by florists and gardeners alike thanks to their bold colors and unusual flowers that bloom on twining vines. In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about the gloriosa lily’s meaning and symbolism in the language of flowers.
The Meaning & Symbolism of Gloriosa Lilies
The gloriosa lily’s genus name — Gloriosa — comes from the Latin word for “glorious,” or gloriosus. This term is also related to “famous” or “ostentatious.” The species name, superb, means superb, splendid, or proud.
The lily’s common names also reflect the flowers’ dramatic color and structure. From flame lily to glory lily, you won’t be surprised to learn that these bold flowers are imbued with rich symbolism.
In the language of flowers, gloriosa lilies are associated with traits such as passion, beauty, boldness, hope, and good fortune. They’re also a symbol of strength, resilience, and tenacity, perhaps due to the clinging tendrils that help the plants to climb.
In India, the gloriosa lily is further associated with honor and fame. In the Tamil region, the flower is known as Karthiagaipoo. It contains the flag’s colors, and it’s known as the official flower of Great Heroes Remembrance Week in Tamil Elam and the state flower of Tamil Nadu.
The Gloriosa Lily in Floriography
Along with its rich symbolism in Africa and Asia, the gloriosa lily has a fascinating history in Europe. The plants were first introduced to England in the late 1600s, and cultivation began in the 1700s.
In the 1940s, the flowers received international attention when Princess Elizabeth received a jeweled brooch shaped like a gloriosa lily on a trip to then-Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). After her father, King George, passed away, Elizabeth wore the brooch in her first official photos as the new monarch.
The Royal Messenger
Known as the national flower of Zimbabwe (where it’s called the “flame lily”), Gloriosa represents royal status and distinction. Its regal appearance earned it symbolic connections to dignity and noble character across various cultures.
When European explorers first encountered these blooms, they reportedly described them as “flowers fit for kings”.
The Two-Faced Friend
Despite its stunning beauty, every part of the Gloriosa lily contains deadly poison – giving it symbolic duality representing beautiful danger or deceptive appearances.
This contradiction made it popular in Victorian mystery novels as both decoration and murder weapon.
Creative Uses for Gloriosa Lilies
Gloriosa lilies add a dramatic look to the landscape and floral arrangements. For a bold climbing effect outdoors, consider planting a lily in a container next to a trellis.
In floral arrangements, gloriosa lilies lend an otherworldly look. Incorporate long stems, leaves, and buds to extend the line of an arrangement. For an organic look, you can encourage the plants’ natural sprawl.
Wrapping Up
Gloriosa lilies add a dramatic, bold touch to any landscape or floral arrangement. These flame-like blossoms catch the eye and offer rich symbolism connected to strength, resilience, passion, and bold beauty.
Linsay is an American copywriter based in the Pacific Northwest with a background in academic writing and research. Linsay holds Master's degree in both Anthropology and Library and Information Sciences and has written for numerous national and international publications including USA Today, SFGATE, Hunker, and The Bump across an array of topics in the gardening, green living, and travel sectors. When she's not writing, you'll usually find Linsay reading, kayaking, sailing, snowboarding, or working in her garden.