Xeronema callistemon is a species of flowering plant endemic to the Poor Knights Islands and Taranga Island in the north of New Zealand. It was discovered in 1924 and has a common name Poor Knights lily. The plant is listed as vulnerable in the 1997 IUCN Red List of Plants, but As of April 2026 is not listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Poor knights lily has strong resistance to disease and is generally unlikely to suffer from illnesses. Nevertheless, it can be affected by pests and diseases found in its environment. These problems are generally mild. Regarding care, this plant needs moderate maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to preserve a neat appearance and support healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also encourage flowering. Poor knights lily is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, like a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive gardening experience. It can need additional attention if grown indoors.
How to keep Xeronema Callistemon.
Light
Poor knights lily is a sun-loving, perennial herbaceous plant that comes from open habitats and often grows in meadows and grasslands. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.
Temperature
Poor knights lily can tolerate a broad range of temperatures, but its distribution can still be constrained by various combinations of moisture and heat. It grows best in warm summer conditions with sufficient rainfall or regular watering. Extended periods of overcast and wet weather, as well as sustained high temperatures, can raise the risk of the Poor knights lily dying. In winter, protecting it from the cold can increase its chances of survival.
Fertilizer
The ideal time to fertilize a Poor knights lily is in early spring, as it comes out of dormancy and begins active growth. Fertilizing supplies essential nutrients needed for healthy growth. Although the Poor knights lily has relatively low fertilizer requirements, applying fertilizer once a year can improve its survival and promote better, longer-lasting flowers.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Xeronema
- Family
- Xeronemataceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 61 cm to 76 cm
- Mature Spread
- 49 cm to 61 cm
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Red
- Flower Size
- 10.16 cm to 15.24 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
- Native Area
- New Zealand
Other names.
