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) when including its inflorescence. The leaves are green, needle-shaped, and can measure up to 6.4 inches (16 cm) long and 0.15 inches (0.4 cm) 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 display yellow and green colors, 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.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
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 smaller in width. Good cultivation encourages the removal of the bulb from the outdoors in zones with frost. However, they are not frost-hardy, and cold temperatures can damage the bulb.
These South African natives look particularly attractive in rock gardens, slopes, and containers. The biggest requirement for Albuca care is superior drainage. The regions to which they are native are not known for consistent moisture, which means 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
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