How to Grow and Care for Romulea

The crocus-leaved romulea (Romulea bulbocodium) has among the largest flowers of its genus. The flowers typically bloom as a light lilac color fading to darker purple at the edges. It is often mistaken for a crocus but is actually a member of the Romulea genus, which is named after Romulus, the mythical founder of Rome.

Rosy sandcrocus (Romulea rosea) is a perennial flower originally found in South Africa. It is now naturalized in places like Europe, the U.S., New Zealand, and Australia, and is an environmental weed in the latter. It grows mostly in temperate wetlands. The small but striking flowers have made it a common ornamental plant.

Romulea columnae is a herbaceous plant that reaches a stature height of 2 to 15 centimeters. The egg-shaped to approximately spherical tuber is 2.5 to 4 cm long and surrounded by a brown outer skin, which breaks off to the upper end. The leaves are semi-cylindrical, firm and erect or spread around the plant.

Romulea camerooniana is a resilient flower native to the high-altitude regions of Cameroon. It features vibrant, typically purple blooms with intricate petal patterns that stand out against its slender, grass-like foliage. These flowers rely on the cooler, misty climate of their habitat to thrive, often emerging shortly after the seasonal rains to capitalize on the moist conditions.

Romulea requienii is a low-growing perennial herb with slender leaves and vibrant violet flowers that bloom in the Mediterranean spring. It thrives in well-drained, sandy soils, often found in coastal areas, reflecting its resilience to dry conditions. Its flowers' striking color contrasts sharply with its green foliage, making it a distinctive presence in rocky, sun-bathed landscapes.