Scientific Name
Albuca spiralis 'Frizzle Sizzle'
Common Name(s)
Corkscrew Albuca, Spiral Leaved Albuca, Spiral Albuca, Slime Lily, Helicopter Plant, Curly Albuca, Sticky Corkscrew Lily
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Scilloideae
Genus: Albuca
Origin
Albuca spiralis 'Frizzle Sizzle' is a patented cultivar (number PP22954P2) of Albuca spiralis. This unique plant originates from a planned breeding program by Gerardus Adrianus Maria Zuidgeest in Honselersdijk, The Netherlands. It was discovered and selected in 2007 as a single specimen from the progeny of a self-pollination conducted by the Inventor 2007.
Description
Albuca spiralis 'Frizzle Sizzle' is a winter-growing bulb with short, strongly spiraling leaves arranged in a basal rosette. This plant can reach a height of up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) or up to 8 inches (20 cm), including its inflorescence. The leaves are green, needle-shaped, and can measure up to 6.4 inches (16 cm) in length and 0.15 inches (0.4 cm) in diameter at the base.
In the summer, Albuca spiralis 'Frizzle Sizzle' produces fragrant, hanging flowers that bloom in clusters on a central stalk. The flowers are star-shaped and yellow and green, with a diameter of about 0.6 inches (1.5 cm). In summer, after flowering, the plant goes dormant.
Compared to the species, Albuca spiralis 'Frizzle Sizzle' grows faster and has thicker and more spiraling leaves.
How to Grow and Care for Albuca spiralis 'Frizzle Sizzle'
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Albucas require sandy, loose soil in full to partial sun to produce their characteristic blooms. The plants can grow 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) tall and slightly narrower. Good cultivation encourages removing the bulbs from the outdoors in frosty zones. However, they are not frost-hardy, and cold temperatures can damage the bulbs.
These South African natives are particularly attractive in rock gardens, on slopes, and in containers. The most important requirement for Albuca care is excellent drainage. The regions where they are native are not known for consistent moisture, so they are drought-tolerant once established. Consistent watering at planting is necessary to mimic the rainy season, but after that, light watering is all that is necessary when caring for Albuca.
Fertilize Albucas annually at installation and in the early spring with good all-purpose bulb food. Cut back spent foliage after it yellows and begins to wilt.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Albuca.
Links
- Back to genus Albuca
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
