Accession Count: 26
Common Name:
stalked bulbine
Family Name:
Asphodelaceae
Botanical Name:
Bulbine frutescens
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Bulbine frutescens is a perennial, succulent groundcover, approximately 1' - 1.5' tall and 2 - 3' wide, looking like a low shrub. Its fleshy, narrow, gray-green leaves grow upward from basal clumps. Depending on the cultivar, it has yellow or orange flowers, with six pointed petals and long, fluffy stamens arrayed along the upper part of 2' tall stalks. It blooms spring through summer, with a dormant period mid-summer in hot regions, then reblooms in the fall into winter. The fruit is a small capsule with black seeds. In spite of its name, this plant does not have a bulbous base. It spreads by rhizomes (underground stems with nodes producing roots and shoots), creating colonies.
Compound:
Bul fru
Geographic Origin:
Southern Africa
Ecozone Origin:
Afrotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
This plant is native to low-rainfall areas with shallow rocky soil, along river banks and sandy, coastal hillsides. The flowers attract bees and butterflies. The seed capsules attract birds.
Cultivation Notes:
Locate this plant in well-draining soil in full sun. Shade inhibits flowering. It succeeds in USDA Hardiness zones 9 - 11 and is hardy to 20 - 25 degrees F. This plant accepts poor, shallow, rocky soil, and also does well in enriched soil. When established, this drought tolerant plant can be deep watered every 2 - 4 weeks, depending on temperature, with additional water producing more blooms. Removing old flower stalks improves its appearance and may encourage reblooming. Propagate by stem cuttings, or by dividing basal clumps every few years so that each has rhizomes with nodes. Many cultivars will self-seed, although a few are sterile.
Ethnobotany:
Bulbine frutescens is primarily grown as an ornamental groundcover. The leaf gel can be used in a manner similar to that of Aloe vera. The edible leaves can be eaten as a relish.
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season:
Color:
Function:
Spread:
Allergen:
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
