Scientific Name
Bulbine mesembryanthoides Haw.
Common Name(s)
Window Plant
Synonym(s)
Anthericum mesembryanthemoides, Bulbine orchioides
One often comes across the name of the species as Bulbine mesembryanthemoides, but since Haworth used the spelling "mesembryanthoides" in his original description, this has to be accepted as correct.
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Bulbine
Description
Bulbine mesembryanthoides, also known as Bulbine mesembryanthemoides, is a small succulent geophyte with a small underground tuber and usually 1 to 2 (rarely up to 4) fleshy leaves that are translucent at the top. The leaves are cylindrical and measure up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall and 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter. The plant is summer-deciduous, and the leaves start to whither as soon as the dry summer period arrives.
The flowers appear in spring and summer, usually after the leaves have retracted. Each plant may have 1 to 3 inflorescences that can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) in height.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Caring for Bulbine doesn't require much effort, and neglect doesn't prevent the delicate blooms from rising 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) above the foliage.
These plants are adaptable to many soil types. Growing Bulbines is a good choice for gardens in arid areas, as they are drought tolerant. For this reason, these plants are often found in rock gardens with poor soil. Bulbine plants are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 to 11 but can grow in lower zones as annuals.
Locate Bulbines in a sunny to lightly shaded area of the garden. Plant the rhizomes in well-draining soil and water weekly, at least until plants are established. Once established, the plant is drought tolerant, though it benefits from supplemental water during times of drought. Feed your plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Bulbine.
Origin
Bulbine mesembryanthoides is native to South Africa (Northern Cape and Western Cape).
Links
- Back to genus Bulbine
- 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.
