Keith has established the largest and most diverse collection of Clivia in New Zealand. This contains over 30,000 plants, most planted under trees. All six species are represented. The sixth species, C. robusta was described following a PhD study into the chromosomes of the genus, using plants from this collection. The majority of plants are C. miniata, with representatives of all recognised flower shapes and colours. However, there are many hybrids between the different species (interspecific hybrids). These are especially rewarding in Northern New Zealand as their flowering time is spread throughout the year, although they flower primarily during the winter months.
Keith has undertaken much research into the genus and is currently working to produce large solid red coloured blooms, with no other throat colour.
Seed and seedlings are supplied to the nursery trade in several countries. The collection is now sufficiently mature to allow modest quantities of large offsets to be offered to landscape contractors on request.
Clivias are slow growing plants. Seeds can take 3 - 4 months to germinate. Plants require some shade, especially from overhead mid-day sun. When grown from seed, some plants may flower after five years, but others much longer.
