How to grow Bulbine

Bulbine latifolia

Bulbine latifolia is a rapidly growing pioneer plant thus ideal for the new garden. It is easily propagated from seed and given ideal conditions flowers in its first season. This fast grower is ideal for a new garden, thriving especially when massed on rockeries and embankments. The plants live from 5-8 years and are best replaced when they lose vigour.

It is best grown in full sun. The soil should preferably be enriched with compost. It also grows well in containers with a sandy mixture enriched with compost.

It is relatively pest free, but may have occasional fungal infection causing dark leaf spots. These can be treated with a fungicide.

Seed can be harvested in summer and autumn and stored until the warmer months.

Growing Bulbine from seed

Bulbine latifolia is easily propagated from seed. Seed should preferably be sown during the warmer months in sandy well drained soil. Cover the seed with a thin layer of sand for anchorage. Keep moist – germination is within 3 weeks. At this stage it is best to add a fungicide when watering.

Transplanting Bulbine

The seedlings grow rapidly and can be planted out in small containers when they are large enough to handle. The young plants can be planted about 50 cm apart in the garden.

Bulbine is tender, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside.

How long does Bulbine take to grow?

These estimates for how long Bulbine takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

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Bulbine Etymology

The generic name Bulbine pertains to the bulb-like nature of some of its relatives. Its specific Latin epithet latifolia, refers to its broad leaves. It was first named Anthericum latifolium by the younger Linnaeus in 1781. It is not known who first introduced it to Europe, but Jacquin illustrated the plant in his Icon. Plantarum Rariorum (1781-1795) .

Bulbine Folklore & Trivia

Bulbine latifolia is popular among the traditional healers. The roots are used, taken orally to quell vomiting and diarrhoea, but also for a number of other ailments (Van Wyk et al 1997).

Other names for Bulbine

Rooiwortel (afrikaans)