How to Grow Bulbine
Bulbine frutescens
Bulbine is a spreading South African succulent groundcover that produces a near-continuous display of bright yellow or orange starry flower spikes on upright stems above clumps of fleshy, grass-like leaves. Thrives in full sun and fast-draining soil — the drier and poorer the better. Spreads readily by stolons to suppress weeds. The leaf gel soothes burns and insect bites. Hardy to 0°C — grow outdoors year-round in mild coastal gardens, or in a pot brought under glass for winter elsewhere. Extremely low maintenance and very long-lived.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Light feeding once in spring with a balanced fertiliser is sufficient. Bulbine is adapted to poor soils and over-feeding produces lush, floppy growth with fewer flowers.
Watch For
- Root rot in poorly drained or overwatered soil
- Mealybugs in the leaf rosettes
- Snails on succulent leaves in wet weather
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun; tolerates light partial shade
Needs full sun for best flowering. In partial shade, plants become sparse and produce fewer flower spikes. Avoid deep shade entirely.
Watering
Very drought-tolerant; water sparingly
Once established, bulbine survives on rainfall alone in most temperate climates. Water young plants during establishment. Established plants need watering only during prolonged drought. Never allow to sit in wet soil.
Fertilizing
Light feed in spring only
Apply a balanced fertiliser at half strength once in spring. Bulbine is adapted to poor, dry soils — over-feeding reduces flower production and makes plants floppy.
Pruning
Remove spent flower stems and tidy dead foliage
Snap off spent flower stems at the base to encourage continuous reblooming. Remove any dead or damaged leaves as needed. No hard pruning required.
