Doryanthese excelsa is one of the largest lilies in the world, creating a rosette of sword shaped, mid green leaves that can be up to two metres in length.
The flowerheads are huge - being up to 24cms across and borne atop giant erect spikes.
Flowers are red and torch like in shape.
It is a spectacular addition for larger gardens as you really need a bit of distance to appreciate it and surprisingly it goes well in containers, but very large ones of course.
It was planted extensively throughout Sydney at the time of the 2000 Olympics providing an Olympic flame like blooms at exactly the right time of the year.
These are slow growing plants, so you'll need patience with 5-10 years needed before you'll see the first flower spike.