Cape Balsam
Tue, 08/11/2009 - 8:36am — Kathy Ormiston
 (201x300).jpg "bulbine.small (389x582) (201x300).jpg")
Photo Credit:
Vera Kark, PADG
Botanical Name:
Bulbine frutescens
Pronunciation:
(BUL-bin-ee froo-TESS-enz)
Common Name:
Cape Balsam
Plant Type:
Succulent
Mature Size:
1 ft. high and 2 ft. to 3 ft. wide
Water Requirements:
Low: water every 3 weeks until the root ball is wet
Sun/Shade Requirements:
Full to half sun
Flower Color :
Yellow
This South African native is a great plant to mix into your low water flower border. It remains small, is evergreen, has spikes of star-shaped yellow flowers and cool fleshy pencil-shaped leaves. We want these plants for our home gardens!
Bulbine, a UC Davis Arboretum "All-Star", blooms through out the year, including the winter when very few plants are in flower.
Though it looks best when watered several times a summer, Bulbine can survive on less water.
Like many succulents, Bulbine is very easy to grow from cuttings.