The perennial Bulbine (commonly B. frutescens and B. natalensis) is a popular choice for warm, water-wise gardens. Known as “Snake Flower” or “Burn Jelly Plant,” Bulbine is valued for its drought tolerance and long-lasting, star-shaped yellow or orange flowers. Its fleshy, grass-like foliage forms attractive clumps, making it an excellent groundcover or accent plant in xeriscaping designs. This ease of care and ability to thrive in challenging conditions establish it as a low-maintenance favorite.
Initial Planting and Site Selection
Successful establishment begins with choosing a location that receives full sun exposure. While the plant can tolerate light or partial shade, flowering is significantly reduced without ample sunlight. Bulbine is a tender perennial, hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 11, tolerating temperatures down to the low 20s Fahrenheit. Gardeners in cooler regions typically grow it as an annual.
The plant’s succulent nature requires well-draining soil to prevent root issues. A planting medium that mimics its native South African habitat, such as a sandy or loamy mixture, is ideal. Amending the area with coarse sand or gravel ensures sharp drainage and low fertility, which the plant prefers. When planting, position the crown level with the surrounding soil surface. This prevents moisture accumulation around the base of the stems, which could lead to rot.
Routine Care Requirements
Once established, the watering regimen for Bulbine is infrequent and deep, reflecting its drought-tolerant nature. Overwatering is the most common cause of decline, so the soil must be allowed to dry out completely between irrigation sessions. Deep watering encourages a robust root system, helping the plant withstand prolonged dry periods.
Bulbine is a low-feeding plant that performs well in poor soils, making heavy fertilization unnecessary and potentially detrimental. If the soil is extremely impoverished, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring may support vigorous growth and flowering. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, which promote weak foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Maintenance pruning is simple and primarily involves deadheading spent flower stalks to encourage continuous blooming. Removing fading flower spikes prevents the plant from diverting energy into seed production, prompting new blooms. Old or yellowed foliage can also be removed periodically to maintain a tidy appearance and improve air circulation around the plant’s base.
Propagation and Troubleshooting
Expanding Bulbine stock is most efficiently accomplished through division, typically done in the spring or fall. Division is needed when clumps become large, dense, or begin to flop over, rejuvenating the plant. The mature clump should be carefully dug up and gently separated into smaller sections, ensuring each new division contains healthy roots and shoots.
These divisions should be immediately replanted in prepared, well-draining soil and watered lightly until they show signs of new growth. Although propagation from seed is possible, it is a slower process, making division the preferred method.
The most significant problem encountered when growing Bulbine is root rot, which occurs when the plant is exposed to excessively moist or waterlogged soil. This issue is prevented by ensuring sharp drainage and strictly adhering to an infrequent watering schedule. Bulbine is generally resistant to serious pests, but occasional infestations of aphids or mealybugs can be treated with targeted applications of insecticidal soap.