Bulbine abyssinica 'Rhodes'

(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.