Blush and Suffused Clivias

Blush and Suffused Clivias: A Study in Subtle Elegance

Although many of these Clivia cultivars share similar coloration—soft yellows, pink suffusion, and pastel blends—they originate from different mutations. Breeders have been conducting experimental crosses to evaluate compatibility and breeding potential, giving rise to several distinct yet interconnected lines.

The Four Marys Line (Unpigmented Seedlings)

This group is known for delicate coloration, often with yellow or near-white tepals that develop pink tones with age. These are typically unpigmented seedlings and represent some of the most refined floral forms in Clivia breeding.

Brenthurst / Hantie

Originating from the prestigious gardens of the Brenthurst Estate in Parktown, Johannesburg—owned by the Oppenheimer family—this cultivar represents elegance and historical significance.

Four Marys

A notable plant originally obtained from Margot and Gordon McNeil. It features narrow yellow or near-white tepals that gradually blush pink as they mature. According to Margot, Gordon named the plant after the ladies-in-waiting to Mary, Queen of Scots: Mary Seton, Mary Fleming, Mary Beaton, and Mary Livingston. The “four” also refers to the flower’s four observable color phases. It is believed that a group of similar plants from the McNeil collection were selected and planted in a dedicated terrace garden. Four Marys remains one of the most admired pastel colour forms in the genus.

Lady Jane

A seedling selection bred from Four Marys, this cultivar continues the subtle grace of its parent with delicate blush tones and a similar flower form.

Gordonia

Another McNeil selection, Gordonia features broader, fuller tepals than Four Marys, with soft base tones and richer reddish-pink suffusion on the outer surfaces—a stunning variation within the line.

Lynn Janisch Parfait (Registered Cultivar)

Discovered by Lynn Janisch in KwaZulu-Natal, this cultivar arose as a spontaneous mutation among orange Clivia miniata. It presents a full umbel of yellow flowers with pink undertones that intensify under good lighting, resulting in a pastel gradient effect. A small notch at the petal tips is characteristic. It’s a strong grower with good offsetting and produces approximately 20 flowers per umbel.

Lady Ginger / Lady Vanilla / Lady Raspberry

Hybrid selections bred from Lady Jane × Lynn’s Parfait, each showing varied shades of blush and suffusion, further expanding the pastel palette in this line.

Apple Blossom Line (Pigmented Seedlings)

This group features yellow flowers suffused with pink, often displaying stronger pigmentation and more vivid contrast. These seedlings often grow slowly and are marked by unusually large seeds, adding to their rarity and value.

Clivia “Apple Blossom”

A unique strain of eight seedling plants (Q1–Q8), discovered among a wild population of orange Clivia miniata and some Clivia nobilis. Each clone exhibits a blend of yellow and pink, rarely seen in the wild. These plants are highly sought after by collectors. Q8 is also known as Peach Glow.

Mopi Hirt

Named after Mopi Hirt, who, along with her husband Walter, moved from Switzerland to Cape Town before relocating to California in the early 1980s. Mopi arranged for Clivia plants to be sent to her friend Mick Dower, who later named one of the blush-flowered plants in her honor. Mopi Hirt features a soft suffused pink blush on a yellow base—graceful and unique.

Gloria

Another member of the Apple Blossom family, Gloria shares the line’s signature pastel hues and breeding potential.

Chinese Blush Clivias

These cultivars have been imported over the years from breeders in China. They tend to have squat growth habits and semi- to broad-leaf forms. Flowers are typically yellow or near white with a distinctive pink blush. Their striking beauty and variation have earned them a valuable role in our breeding programs, and we anticipate exciting new results in the next one to two seasons.

Group Overview:

Four Marys Group (Unpigmented):