Plant of the Month – February
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Bulbine,
Shrubby Bulbine
Bulbine frutescens
Bulbine is becoming more and more popular due to its drought resistance, fast growth, tolerance of poor soils, and repeated blooms of cheerful flowers that are yellow or orange, depending on the variety.
- Plant Form:Evergreen succulent groundcover
- Water Use: Low – Moderate
- Mature Size: 1 ft. tall x 2-3 ft. wide
- Exposure: Full or part sun
- Bloom Time: Yellow-flowered plants:
~ Fall – Spring (Oct – Feb);
Orange-flowered cultivars:
~ Spring – Summer (Mar- Aug) - Native to: S. Africa
- Hardiness: Cold hardy to 10°F
Bulbine is a clumping, succulent groundcover that spreads by underground stems called rhizomes. Its thick, fleshy leaves equip it to withstand long periods of drought. Yellow or orange flowers on 12 to18-inch stalks hover over the mass of leaves in late fall to spring (in yellow-flowered plants), or spring through summer (in orange-flowered ‘Hallmark’ & ‘Tiny Tangerine’ cultivars). Each star-shaped flower flaunts a ball of fuzzy filaments in its center. Deadhead flowers to encourage continual bloom. This fast-growing perennial fills out quickly, and can be propagated from cuttings to fill in aging portions. After extended frosts, new leaves will quickly replace damaged foliage in spring. Bulbine is best planted in masses and in rock & cactus gardens. It is great in containers that can be moved during hard frosts.
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