It looks like a Gloriosa superba...a climber from Africa. The nectar lovers go wild over this. All parts of the plant are super toxic so handle with great care. Watch children and pets.
That's a Gloriosa superba ..... sadly we do not have info or photos in our database but .... Missouri botanical does... http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a456
I'm so glad you asked this question. I'd found an old photo from 2007 of one I must have planted that year, and now I know what it is, and I also know why it didn't come back the following year.
Pianolady...yep, it would be an annual in Iowa, perennial most likely from zone 9 and up. You might get it to come back if you have a greenhouse. Freckles, you are very welcome. This plant will love SW Florida. It is a good idea to read up on it from a reliable source. When i say toxic, i don't mean tummy ache maybe. This plant can be deadly. Still not a reason not to grow it, but being aware is always good and having more information can give you ideas about where is a good place to plant it, etc. and what kind of precautions you might want to take. It is truly a beauty...enjoy!
I saw this flower in someone's garden, it stopped me in my tracks and I had to get a picture of it. Looked like flames of a fire. I will do some research on it, and be careful if I plant one. Thank you for the caution.
Freckles and Pianolady, thank you both for adding your photos to the plant database. I probably won't get a chance to add info before we get back next week, so if either of you have any you can add to the page that would be great help.
Your welcome. I would like to add info, but unfamiliar with this flower. Unless I added info from the http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/.
