Bulbine Orange

Bulbine frutescens

Characteristics

Culture

Bulbine Orange is best grown in evenly moist to dry, well-draining soils in full sun; it’s tolerant of some light shade. Drought tolerant once established, but provide supplemental irrigation for best growth and flowering. Can be grown in poor, rocky soils, but also does well in richer soils. Cut back spent flowering Bulbine Orange stalks in summer to create a tidier appearance and to encourage reblooming in the fall. Propagate through division. Hardy in Zones 9-11.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Bulbine frutescens, commonly called orange bulbine, stalked bulbine, or simply bulbine, is a herbaceous, succulent perennial native to river banks and sandy, coastal hillsides in South Africa. Mature plants can reach 1-1.5′ tall with an equal width and will form spreading colonies. The thickened, stout stems can reach up to 1′ long and are typically branched, bearing rosettes of leaves. The narrow, linear foliage reaches 6-9″ long and 0.25″ wide. Racemes of small, 6-petaled, yellow or pale orange flowers with frilly stamens are held on 2′ tall stalks from late spring into early summer with some reblooming in the fall.

Problems

No major pest or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Mass planting, path edger, or ground cover in mixed border fronts, rock gardens, and Mediterranean gardens. Bulbine Orange is suitable for xeriscaping or containers. Can also be planted among larger rocks for a more naturalistic look. The fleshy leaves have been used medicinally similar to Aloe vera.