Product Description

Clivias are classed among the most desirable of all connoisseur plants, offering not only spectacular flowers but also interesting variations in both leaf variegation and plant form. Despite their reputation as specialist plants, however, clivias are surprisingly easy to grow and tolerant of abuse. Koopowitz has written the first book to delightfully detail the genus Clivia. Beginning with the story of their discovery, he moves on to issues of cultivation, hybridization, and propagation. The bulk of his book is a profusely illustrated examination of the diversity of clivia variation, from the familiar orange and red flowers to the famous yellow forms and the pastel colors that are creating so much excitement today.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #701505 in Books
• Published on: 2002-08-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 384 pages

From Booklist
Long considered the "holy grail" of houseplants, clivias remain among the most sought-after and misunderstood of all horticultural specimens. Easy to grow and difficult to kill, able to withstand poor light, pot-bound conditions, and other cultural abuses, clivias should be among the most widely used houseplants on the market, yet their reputation as so-called "connoisseur" plants discourages even the most accomplished gardeners. Following their late-nineteenth-century glory days, when it was not uncommon for clivia devotees to pay thousands of dollars for a single plant, clivias faded into relative obscurity for nearly a century. Recent improvements in breeding, cultural adaptations, and the advent of Internet marketing, however, have combined to return clivias to their former levels of popularity. Koopowitz, a distinguished academician and experienced clivia cultivator, gives voice to this growing trend, creating the first monograph to explicitly describe clivias' horticultural heritage and cultural requirements, with brilliant support by more than 100 of Comstock's breathtaking color photographs. Invaluable information for both the professional and the amateur. Carol Haggas
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
"If you carry lust in your heart for all things chlorophyllous, then the pictures alone in Clivias will drive you mad with desire."C. Colston Burrell, Horticulture, April 2003 (Horticulture )

"Informative...immensely readable. Harold Koopowitz has . . . provided the ultimate guide to knowing and growing clivias." -- Alan W. Meerow, Journal of the International Bulb Society, 2002

"Koopowitz has lengthy experience with the hybridization of bulbous plants, making his book authoritative and interesting to read ... The main part is devoted to a profusely and expertly illustrated discussion of clivia diversity ... Highly recommended."Choice, January 2003 (Choice )

"This is a book for everyone with an interest in Clivias, whether windowsill grower or expert cultivator." -- The Bulb Garden, October 2002

"Through Harold Koopowitz's research and the photographs of James Comstock we are rewarded with multiple exotic and beautiful views of Clivias to entice us into growing them with great pleasure."Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardener, November 2002 (National Gardener )

"If you carry lust in your heart for all things chlorophyllous, then the pictures alone in Clivias will drive you mad with desire."—C. Colston Burrell, Horticulture, April 2003 (C. Colston Burrell Horticulture )

"Koopowitz has lengthy experience with the hybridization of bulbous plants, making his book authoritative and interesting to read ... The main part is devoted to a profusely and expertly illustrated discussion of clivia diversity ... Highly recommended."—Choice, January 2003 (Choice )

"Through Harold Koopowitz's research and the photographs of James Comstock we are rewarded with multiple exotic and beautiful views of Clivias to entice us into growing them with great pleasure."—Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardener, November 2002 (Joanne S. Carpender National Gardener )

From the Author
Harold Koopowitz is professor of ecology at the University of California at Irvine.

Customer Reviews

Excellent Material If you want to learn about Clivias
This book is more than what I expected, this is for the serious Clivia grower or the serious hobbyist. The pictures are great but what I like the most is so much information so much material; if you really want to learn about Clivias this is the one and only book to get. Now I'm having a better understanding of what to expect with my Clivia crosses and some genetics, it's just great and a very complete book.

The only clivia book to buy.
Terrific book. I found more info on clivia's in one reading than in the past ten years. Great photos and descriptions. Highly recommended

Clivia Book is Wonderful
This book on clivias was just whoat I was looking for. It is not so scientific that you can't read it, and has enough science information for the serious grower. I was especially interested in the growing and dividing sections. The photos were great, too.

If you are a clivia grower, you need this book.