Family: Asphodelaceae

This group of clump-forming succulent and non-succulent plants from South and East Africa, and also Australia, are very variable. They may be bulbous, tuberous perennials or even annuals. The long, narrow leaves are sometimes grooved on the top or rounded, and mostly form rosettes. Small, starry flowers coloured yellow, white or a rich orange are borne in dense, terminal racemes.

Species

B. alooides, from South Africa, forms clumps with age. The rosettes are quite large, about 25 cm (10 in) in diameter, and the flat, tapering, light green leaves are very fleshy. Sprays of yellow, self-fertile flowers are borne on tall stems. Sometimes several stems are produced by the one plant.

B. bulbosa, bulbine lily, from eastern Australia, has a bulbous stem base from which grow linear, onion-like leaves, 15-30 cm (6-12 in) long. The leaves are grooved on the upper side, blunt-tipped and fleshy. The yellow flowers are about 25 mm (1 in) across.

B. frutescens is a branching plant, up to 60 cm (24 in) tall, with fibrous roots. The bright green leaves are 22 cm (9 in) long and 4-8 mm (1/6-1/3 in) wide. This species produces many bright yellow, white or rich orange flowers in its racemes.

B. semibarbata (which is now known as Bulbinopsis semibarbata), is a perennial with fibrous roots, native to Australia. The leaves form a dense rosette, with 30 cm (12 in) stems topped with a raceme of yellow flowers.

Cultivation

A cool greenhouse or conservatory will be needed in areas prone to hard frosts. Grow in pots of very well drained, soil-based potting compost, with maximum light and plenty of ventilation. Water normally in growing season but do not water in winter. In the garden, grow in a sunny spot in any well-drained soil. Propagate from seed or by division of clumps in spring.

Climate

Zone 9 is suitable for Bulbine. Most tolerate light frosts.