Bulbinella Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 20th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Bulbinella plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Bulbinella is recognizable from its tall spires of starry yellow or orange flowers. This unique form and its vibrant colors make it a standout addition to gardens, especially when used in borders.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in a well-draining soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but good drainage is crucial.
- General Care: Water regularly but avoid over-watering. Mulching can help conserve moisture and to suppress weeds.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Bulbinella is relatively easy to care for, and is suitable for beginners. Keep in mind that they are generally frost tender. So you may wish to grow them in containers that you can easily relocate indoors when it gets cold. Plants are typically pest-free but watch out for snails or slugs.
Cat's Tail: Cultivation & Garden Use
Members of the Bulbinella genus are half or full hardy perennials that reach an height of one to two feet (30 to 60 cm), have grass like leaves, and flower in the late winter to early spring.
They carry very small yellow star shaped on long stalks. Latin names include Bulbinella frutescens and Bulbinella hookeri. Good companion plants to improve to grow alongside them to improve aesthetic appeal include Sedum, Yarrow, Purple Coneflower, English Lavender, Hyssop, and grasses such as Blue Fescue.
Bulbinella by Twiddleblat.
How to Grow Bulbinella
If planning to grow Bulbinella outdoors from the off it is best to sow out the seed in the autumn, simply cover the seeds
If you are growing then from root cuttings, then these should be placed just below the soil surface.
When growing Bulbinella seedlings indoor first, it is best to start them out in spring.
They take around two weeks to three months to germinate at a temperature of 55°F (13°C).
The seedlings should be grown indoors for two years before transplanting into a sunny or partially shaded location of the garden in the spring.
They should be spaced approximately 40 cm apart and like to have an acidic soil that is rich and moist to grow in.
Bulbinella floribunda by The Ruth Bancroft Garden.
Caring for Bulbinella in the Garden
Bulbinella do not require much looking after once established, needing just an occasional water in prolonged dry spells of summer.
Decayed tissue should be removed after flowering has finished.
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Bulbinella Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Bulbinella, Cat’s Tail, Maori Onion, Ross Lily.Family: Asphodelaceae; the Asphodelus family.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial. Half hardy perennial.
Height: 12 to 40 inches (30 to 100 cm).
Native: Southern Africa, New Zealand.
Growing Region: Zones 7 to 10.
Flowers: Winter through to early spring.
Flower Details: Yellow, yellow-orange. Small. Star-shaped. Clustered on a cylindrical raceme.
Foliage: Strap-like. Fleshy. Green.
Sow Outside: Seed: cover Roots: Bury below soil level. seed. Autumn. Spacing 14 to 20 inches (35 to 50 cm).
Sow Inside: Spring. Germination time: two weeks to three months. Temperature 55°F (13°C). Grow seedlings indoors for two years. Transplant outdoors, after growing indoors for two years, following the last frost when temperatures do not drop below 50°F (10°C).
Requirements: Full sunlight or partial shade. Acidic soil, rich soil, moist soil, cool soil. Occasional watering during the growing season. Regular watering during other periods. Prune dead leaves and flowers once the plant has finished flowering. Propagate: by dividing in the spring.
Common Questions
How many members does the Bulbinella genus have?
The Bulbinella genus includes around 22 species.
Do members of Bulbinella make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Bulbinella species are often used in borders and rock gardens for their attractive clusters of star-shaped flowers.
Which Bulbinella species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Bulbinella nutans (Cat's Tail) is often grown for its long-lasting yellow or orange blooms.
Are members of the Bulbinella plant genus fragrant?
No, Bulbinella plants are not known for their fragrance, but their bright blooms are quite charming.
What is the perfect location to grow Bulbinella?
Bulbinella prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Is Bulbinella invasive in the USA?
Currently, Bulbinella is not considered invasive in the USA.
How do I remove Bulbinella plants from my garden?
Remove Bulbinella by carefully digging up the plants, making sure all roots are removed to prevent regrowth.
Summary
The Bulbinella genus belongs to the Asphodelaceae family and is native to Southern Africa and New Zealand. These perennial herbs are characterized by their clusters of yellow or orange tubular flowers that appear on tall stalks, resembling a bottlebrush.
Bulbinella should be planted in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil. They're tolerant of dry conditions, making them a suitable choice for xeriscaping. Plant the rhizomes in late summer or early fall and provide moderate watering for optimal growth.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Bulbinella plants. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Nerine from Bulbs and Veltheimia plant info.
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