Bulbinella plants and species

Bulbinella are a group of plants originally from South Africa and New Zealand. The flowers rise above the foliage on tall stems. These are a hardy group of plants that can height to the garden border, although are not widely offered for sale. Most species flower in late winter to spring and are summer dormant, making them fairly drought tolerant in our conditions.

Propagation is by division of established clumps or from seeds.

Species include the rare yellow flowering Bulbinella floribunda (Cat’s Tail), Bulbinella Robusta, Bulbinella elegans, Bulbinella rossii or ‘Ross Lily’ and Bulbinella nutans.

Growing Conditions

All species will grow well in moist soil, however we have found them to be reasonably drought tolerant.

Full sun to part shade.
Humus rich soil.
Space plants at around 25 – 35 cm apart.
Additional water during dry winters or spring.
Let foliage die back before pruning back in summer to tidy up.

Species

B. nutans – Will reach around 50 cm in height, clump forming and with yellow flowers that resemble those of knifhopia.
B. hookeri – From New Zealand is sometimes called the Maori Onion. Tall growing to 1m in height, again with yellow flowers.
B. rossii – Very attractive species from New Zealand. Yellow flowers on stems rising above glossy green arching foliage to 1m.
B. floribunda – Yellow flowers and glossy green foliage. Flowers from winter to spring.
B. latifolia – From South Africa, orange flowers on tall stems.

Bulbinella are available for sale from the following participating nurseries.

LAMBLEY NURSERY & GARDENS
395 Lesters Rd Ascot VIC 3364 - phone (03) 53434303
Specialising in beautiful perennials & bulbs including new releases from Europe & USA. Many hardy, rare & difficult to find ‘drought hardy’ plants, quality vegetable & flower seeds.
www.lambley.com.au

NUTSHELL PERENNIAL NURSERY and PLANT FARM
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au

PERENNIALLE PLANTS - phone: 0427077798
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au

GARDEN EXPRESS - phone :1300 606 242
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au