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Bulbine abyssinica 'Rhodes'

Ethiopian Bulbine

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Item #: 8420

Zones: 7b to 10b

Dormancy:

Height: 15" tall

Culture: Sun to Part Sun

Origin: South Africa

Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


(aka Bulbine A1SA-088) I had grown a few bulbines, but after seeing them in the wild in 2005, I gained a much greater respect for both their flowering potential and drought tolerance. Bulbine abyssinica occurs on rocky, well-drained grasslands throughout the Eastern Cape, Lesotho, and Ethiopia where it was originally discovered. The clumps of 1' long, soft green foliage resemble a rain lily until they burst into flower in spring with 15" tall spikes ending in a terminal cluster of small, bright yellow flowers. For us, Bulbine abyssinica 'Rhodes' flowers almost non-stop throughout the summer, resembling a narrow leaf, yellow-flowered scilla. If that's not enough, bulbine can be used to treat dysentery and cracked lips...the ones on your mouth. I recommend dividing the clumps when they become crowded. This offering is from 6,100' elevation near the town of Rhodes not far from South Africa's Tiffendell Ski Resort.