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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Asphodelaceae (~Liliaceae) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Yellow |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Summer |
| Synonyms: [Bulbine caulescens] |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Bulbine frutescens (Stalked Bulbine) - A succulent groundcover from the southern coast of South Africa up to Mozambique. It has fleshy light gray-green leaves that are 8 to 12 inches long arranged in opposite rows to form an open rosettes to 18 inches tall and spreads by rhizomes to create wide-spreading clumps. Yellow flowers are 6-petaled and star-like with frilly yellow stamens on long stalks rise above the foliage in the spring through the summer. Plant in full sun to light shade with little water. Hardy to about 20-25 degrees F. This plant has a bloom period that extends into the summer along the coast but has somewhat of a summer dormant period in hot interior gardens then reblooms in the fall into winter. Plants look tidier and may rebloom better if old flower stalks are removed after bloom. The name Bulbine comes from the Greek word 'bolbine' and Latin 'bulbus', a general word for a bulbous or onion-like plant but is somewhat misleading as these plants do not have a bulbous base. The specific epithet comes from the Latin word 'frutex' meaning "shrubby" and is in reference to the way this plant forms solid stands, looking much like a low shrub. Bulbine frutescens is sometimes commonly called Jelly Burn Plant as it contain glycoproteins, similar to many aloe species, and is touted for similar healing properties as Aloe vera such as to ease burns, rashes and itches. These properties have also caused it to be called cape balsam (from the Africaans name balsem kopieva) - other common names include snake flower, cat's tail and and geelkatstert. We have offered this plant since 1993 and also grow the orange colored selection Bulbine frutescens 'Hallmark' and the slightly smaller Bulbine frutescens 'Tiny Tangerine'.
The information on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources as well as from observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery's garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We have also incorporated comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information, particularly if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Bulbine frutescens.
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