Boophone

Boophone has two species, Boophone disticha and Boophone haemanthoides. the rare Boophone ernestii-ruschii recently reclassified as as a sub species of B. haemanthoides. Growing conditions do differ between the two species so let’s take a closer look.

Both species prefer full sun or at least very good morning sun with just a little afternoon shade in warmer climate zones.

These are South African bulbs that are grown for the striking fan shaped foliage, they add a real architectural statement when grown in a pot or container and look equally impressive when grown in the ground.

Flowers are paintbrush like and appear before the foliage. However it is the decorative foliage that attracts most growers.

All species require very well drained soil, and a sunny position. They need a large container as they do develop a very large root system for their size.

How to Grow Boophone disticha

B. disticha is found naturally in areas of summer rainfall, always in well drained soil both on rocky slopes and coastal grassland areas.

It requires very good drainage in summer and a dry dormancy.B. disticha is a deciduous plant that develops fascinating fan like foliage, flowers vary from light pink to red and are fragrant. Plants are best left undisturbed if you are trying to encourage flowers. Frost needs to be avoided.

Care and Growing Conditions

• Growing Position
  Naturally growing gravely, rocky to sandy soils it is drought tolerant and grows well in full sun, however it does not tolerate frosts, so a protected position is required. It is a plant that grows well in terra cotta pots.
• Soil
  Use a cactus and succulent potting mix, or a normal potting mix with around 50% extra drainage material such as pumice, horticultural grit, gravel or perlite mixed through.
• Watering
  During its summer growing season a wet dry watering regime is required, water once and then allow the soil to dry before watering again. If in doubt, under water rather than over water. Yellowing leaves are a sure sign of over watering.
  Once the leaves do die back in late summer, stop watering almost completely, maybe light watering every 3 – 4 weeks. Just enough water to stop the soil from desiccating.
• Sun
  Full sun during winter months, in cool to temperate climates, full sun year round, in hotter climates some afternoon shade in summer months.
  Try for warm days and cool nights for optimal growth.
• Fertiliser
  Do not fertilise after the end of winter until autumn/fall and then only a little slow release general purpose fertiliser.
• Repotting
  Wait until the plant has outgrown the pot or the potting mix is degrading. The best time to repot is in spring as the plant commences to come out of dormancy.
  When replanting the neck of the bulb should be above soil level. Repot into moist, but not wet soil.

How to Grow B. haemanthoides

B. haemanthoides is mainly from areas of winter rainfall, and again a well drained soil is essential. Hot dry summers are experienced in the natural environment. It is drought tolerant. B. ernestii-ruschii is now included as a  B. haemanthoides species.

It has a similar growth habit, however, this is a winter growing species and needs a low winter rainfall as well. The foliage is larger and has a more wavy or undulating habit, however still fan like.

Boophone sp. ernst ruschii is a rare newly discovered species that comes from a winter rainfall area in Namibia

Summary

• South African bulb.
• Caudiciform
• Grown for the architectural look of the fan shaped foliage.
• Requires excellent drainage.
• Requires water in summer and a dry winter.
• Best grown in pots so that moisture can be controlled.
• Flowers are large and pink to red in colour.

Both species have a large fleshy root system, and require deep pots, look for terracotta pots with good drainage holes. Pot de4pth should be around 15 inches as a minimum with 20 being preferred. A similar pot width would be used for mature specimens.

Growing medium needs to be well drained. To lighten the weight of pots try a mixture normal potting mix 1/3, perlite 1/3 and pumice 1/3.

Top Tips

• As a rule wait until the bulb almost fills the pot before repotting.
• Use a wet dry watering cycle. Water and allow the soil to dry before watering again.
• Use a cactus and succulent potting mix or mix something like potting mix 1/3, perlite 1/3 and pumice 1/3.
• In winter hold back on water especially in cold climates. Cold wet winters can cause plants to die.

What’s in a name?

Boophone is derived from the Greek words ‘boys’ meaning Ox and ‘phontes’ meaning killer. So true to its name it is toxic to livestock.

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