Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily

$150.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 30cm

30cm 40cm 100L

Current Stock Height Guides

30cm pot: Rosette approximately 0.4 – 0.6 m across at dispatch.
40cm pot: Rosette approximately 0.6 – 0.9 m across at dispatch.
100L pot: Rosette approximately 1.2 – 1.5 m across, the closest size to flowering age.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 1.5m to 3m foliage, 5m to 6m in flower

Mature Width: 2m to 3m

Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Trade

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

Register or learn more ›

Shipping

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

There is no charge to calculate your freight.

Contact

Have a question or a list to send through to us?

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily

Doryanthes excelsa, the Gymea Lily, is an evergreen Australian native that builds a huge rosette of sword-shaped leaves up to 2 metres long. From a mature clump a single stem rises 3 to 4 metres, occasionally taller, carrying a dense head of deep red blooms. The form alone carries a planting, whether the plant is in flower or not.

It grows in full sun to part shade on well-drained sandy or gravelly ground, and is at home in the sandstone country around Sydney. Light to moderate frost is tolerated once established, and mature clumps are strongly drought tolerant. Growth is slow to moderate at 30 to 60 centimetres a year.

Use it as a feature in native and dry gardens, in groups on embankments and batters where the root system helps hold soil, and in civic plantings that need scale without irrigation. It also copes with roadside conditions. Allow 2 to 3 metres each way, since a mature clump takes up more ground than people expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Gymea Lily

What is a Gymea Lily?

Doryanthes excelsa is a large evergreen perennial from the coastal ranges of New South Wales, between Sydney and the Hunter. It forms a ground-level rosette of stiff strap-like leaves and, once mature, sends up a towering flower spike topped with a globe of red flowers. The name Gymea comes from the Dharawal language of the Sydney region.

How big does the Gymea Lily grow?

The leaf clump reaches about 2 to 3 metres across and around 2 metres high. When it flowers, the spike lifts well above that, commonly 3 to 4 metres and occasionally close to 6 metres on old plants. Allow a 2 to 3 metre footprint per plant so the outer leaves are not crushed against paths.

When does it flower?

Flowering runs through spring and into early summer, mostly September to December, with the spike taking several months to build and open. Plants need to reach a good size first, so expect to wait a number of years from a young plant. Each rosette flowers once, then offsets from the base carry the clump on.

Where does it grow best in Australia?

It grows best along the eastern seaboard, from Melbourne through coastal New South Wales to south-east Queensland, and does particularly well on the sandstone soils of the Sydney basin. It also performs in Adelaide and Perth on sandy free-draining ground. Cold inland districts with heavy frost, and wet clay sites, are the two situations to avoid.

Is it drought tolerant?

Very. Once the clump is established the thick fleshy roots carry it through long dry periods without supplementary water, which is why it turns up so often in unirrigated council plantings. Water regularly for the first two summers to get it away, then only in extreme heat. Drainage matters far more to this plant than rainfall.

Can it grow in pots?

It can, for a while. A young plant will sit happily in a container of at least 60 centimetres for several years and makes a strong entry statement. Eventually the root mass and leaf spread outgrow any pot, and it will need to go in the ground before it flowers. Use a free-draining native mix.

How do I care for a Gymea Lily?

Little is needed. Pull or cut away spent and browning outer leaves once or twice a year to keep the rosette clean, and take the flower stem down at the base once it finishes. Feed in early spring with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Keep mulch clear of the crown, since the growing point rots if it stays wet.

Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika'®

From $20.00

Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika'® (LM300) is one of the most widely planted Australian native ornamental grasses, valued for its fine bright green strappy foliage, neat compact habit and exceptional resilience in tough landscaping conditions. A naturally compact and finer-foliaged form of the species, 'Tanika' holds a refined mounding shape without the coarser texture of standard Lomandra longifolia.

It performs reliably in full sun through to part shade, tolerates drought, frost, coastal salt and poor soils, and produces small yellow flower spikes through spring and summer that add a soft seasonal lift. At a mature size of around 60 cm tall by 60 cm wide, 'Tanika' is one of the most useful Australian natives for mass planting, modern garden borders, low-maintenance landscapes and feature pot planting.

As a compact evergreen Australian native grass for native, modern, coastal, contemporary and low-maintenance gardens, in mass plantings, borders and feature pot displays, Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika' brings fine textural foliage, year-round form and exceptional toughness to almost any garden brief.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika'

How big does Lomandra 'Tanika' grow?

Lomandra 'Tanika' grows to a compact mature size of around 60 cm tall by 60 cm wide, forming a neat rounded mound of fine green strappy foliage. It is significantly more compact and finer-textured than the standard Lomandra longifolia, making it the preferred form for refined garden settings.

Where should I plant Lomandra 'Tanika'?

Lomandra 'Tanika' grows well in full sun through to part shade and tolerates a wide range of soil types from sandy through to clay. It is excellent for mass planting, low borders, coastal exposed positions and contemporary garden borders, and performs reliably in both garden beds and pots.

Is Lomandra 'Tanika' drought tolerant?

Yes. Lomandra 'Tanika' is highly drought tolerant once established and is one of the most reliable Australian natives for low-water gardens. Through establishment it benefits from regular watering, then transitions to natural rainfall in most Australian climates.

Is it frost tolerant?

Yes. Lomandra 'Tanika' is frost tolerant and performs reliably across cool, temperate and warm Australian climates. The fine evergreen foliage holds its colour through winter with no protection required.

Does Lomandra 'Tanika' flower?

Yes. Lomandra 'Tanika' produces small yellow flower spikes through spring and into summer, sitting just above the foliage. The flowers are softly fragrant and provide a delicate seasonal lift, though the plant is grown primarily for its foliage form rather than its flowering.

How do I care for Lomandra 'Tanika'?

Lomandra 'Tanika' is exceptionally low maintenance. Water through establishment, then sparingly. Every 2 to 3 years, give plants a hard tidy in late winter by removing old foliage to encourage fresh growth. No regular pruning is otherwise required.

Can it be used for mass planting?

Yes – mass planting is one of the most successful uses for Lomandra 'Tanika'. Planted on a 50 to 60 cm spacing the plants knit together into a refined textural carpet within 12 to 18 months, providing a contemporary and resilient alternative to traditional groundcovers and grasses.

View full details

Type: Native Grass

Lomandra longifolia 'Tanika'®

From $20.00

Type: Shrub

Banksia spinulosa 'Birthday Candles'

From $160.00

Type: Ornamental Grass

Pennisetum setaceum Fountain Grass

$20.00

Type: Feature Plant

Agave attenuata Foxtail Agave

From $150.00

Type: Feature Plant

Kalanchoe beharensis – Felt Bush

$140.00

Type: Feature Plant

Echium candicans Pride of Madeira

$120.00

Type: Groundcover

Stachys byzantina Lamb's Ears

$15.00

Type: Hedging and Screening Trees

Hibiscus tiliaceus 'Rubra' Cottonwood

From $300.00

Type: Australian Native

Banksia integrifolia 'Sentinel'

From $170.00

Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Council or Civic Landscapes
Rural Property Planting
Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily works in an:

Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.
Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.
Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
Wildlife Garden – planting to attract birds, bees, and pollinators.

Is Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily Evergreen or Deciduous?

Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 1.5m to 3m foliage, 5m to 6m in flower

Mature Width: 2m to 3m

Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

Growth Rate of Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily

Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily

Is Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily frost tolerant?

Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily Flower?

Doryanthes excelsa produces spectacular towering flower spikes bearing masses of deep red blooms, typically during spring and summer on mature plants. The dramatic flowers rise well above the foliage, creating a bold architectural display that is highly distinctive in the landscape.

Does Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring
Summer

Flower Type:

Clustered

Flower Colour:

Red

Is Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily an Australian Native Tree?

Yes

Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily is Native to Eastern New South Wales, where Doryanthes excelsa grows naturally in coastal sandstone forests and open woodland environments.

What is the Wildlife Value of Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily ?

Its towering flower spikes provide a rich nectar source for honeyeaters, native bees and other beneficial pollinators during flowering. The large strappy foliage also creates shelter and protected habitat for small wildlife, supporting biodiversity in native and architectural landscapes.

How much Sunlight does Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily need?

Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Doryanthes excelsa performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils with an acidic to neutral pH. It will also tolerate poorer soils provided drainage remains reliable and organic matter is incorporated to support moisture retention. Avoid heavy clay or persistently waterlogged conditions unless significantly improved, as poor drainage can reduce vigour and root health. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the plant matures.

Is Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily Drought Tolerant?

Is Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily Drought tolerant?

As a young plant it benefits from regular watering to establish a strong root system, particularly during warmer weather. Once established, Doryanthes excelsa shows good drought tolerance and performs reliably through dry periods, although occasional supplementary watering supports stronger growth and flowering.

youtube

How To Plant Your Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily

Site: Full sun to part shade on well-drained ground, with 2 to 3 metres clear each way for the rosette to spread.

Soil preparation: Sandy or gravelly ground is ideal and needs little work. On heavier soils, improve drainage with coarse sand and grit, or plant on a raised mound.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Set the crown level with the surrounding soil, never buried. Backfill gently, firm in and water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily

Single feature: Allow 2 to 3 metres clear each way. A mature clump takes up more ground than people expect, and outer leaves damage if crushed against a path or wall.

Group or mass planting: 2 to 3 metres apart so each rosette reads as its own form rather than merging.

Embankments and batters: 2 metres apart for soil holding, where the root system helps stabilise the slope.

Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily

Watering: Water regularly through the first two summers to establish. After that, only in extreme heat. Drainage matters far more to this plant than rainfall.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, but keep it well clear of the crown. The growing point rots if it stays wet.

Tidying: No pruning as such. Pull or cut away spent and browning outer leaves once or twice a year to keep the rosette clean, and cut the flower stem down at the base once it finishes.

Fertilising: Feed in early spring with a slow-release low-phosphorus native blend. Avoid standard high-phosphorus fertilisers.

Pest and disease: Very hardy. The main risk is crown rot from poor drainage or mulch piled against the centre, not pests.

Planting Your Doryanthes excelsa – Gymea Lily in Different Soil

Doryanthes excelsa performs best in well-drained sandy loam or loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How large does Doryanthes excelsa grow?
The leaf clump reaches about 2 to 3 metres across and around 2 metres high. Flower spikes lift well above that, commonly 3 to 4 metres.

Is Gymea Lily drought tolerant?
Very. Once established the thick fleshy roots carry it through long dry periods without supplementary water. Drainage matters far more than rainfall.

Does it need full sun?
Full sun to part shade. Full sun produces the strongest flower spikes.

Is it suitable for coastal planting?
Yes. It handles coastal exposure and sandy free-draining ground well.