It is a little bit of a misnomer that native shade loving plants don’t have a particularly showy flower and I can’t think of a better species to contradict this than the Stream Lily.

As the name suggests it is a moisture loving native that is suitable for growing under large trees in moist conditions. The specimen in this post has been planted under a huge heritage listed Ficus macrophylla at the bottom of a slope in clay soil, surrounded by native ferns and palms.

Helmholtiza glaberrima can be found growing naturally in the rainforest on the birder of NSW and QLD. It lives in colonies along creeks and poorly drained areas of the Rainforest floor.

In its natural habitat it can reach 2 metres high x 2 metres wide but in the home garden will be a little smaller.

When in flower during the warmer months Helmholtiza glaberrima attracts butterflies and other pollinating insects with its nectar rich inflorescence.

Helmholtiza glaberrima is tolerant of some frost, but is best kept protected and planted as an under storey species. It can be propagated by dividing the clump or from seed as long as the seed is sown immediately.

This is an excellent plant for shady areas as it is quick growing and flowers reliably. The dark glossy green foliage has a gentle weeping habit and the large flower heads are incredibly showy. The only thing it requires is moisture, it does not like drying out for any period of time.