Also known as: Snake flower, Yellow african bulbine, Burn jelly plant
Orange bulbine (Bulbine frutescens) is an evergreen succulent that blooms from spring to summer with yellow, star-shaped flowers. Native to South Africa, this succulent makes a thick ground cover that forms wide-spreading clumps. The plant's name comes from the Greek word for "bulbous" - a misnomer because the orange bulbine roots are not actually bulbs.
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Perennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
All year round
Bloom Time
30 cm to 46 cm
Plant Height
1.2 m to 1.5 m
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
2.5 cm
Flower Size
Yellow, Orange
Flower Color
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Images of Orange bulbine
Distribution of Orange bulbine
Distribution Map
Orange bulbine is indigenous to the southern parts of the African continent, thriving in regions characterized by a semi-arid climate. It has been successfully introduced and cultivated in various other arid to semi-arid regions globally, where it adjusts well to similar environmental conditions found in its native range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Dry, sandy or rocky areas, grassland, bushveld-savanna
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Northern
Sorthern
Flowering
Fruiting
Culture
Name Story
Stalked bulbine: Contrary to its name, orange bulbine or Bulbine frutescens, does not actually grow from bulbs. However, ‘frutescens’ refers to the Latin word for shrubby, which describes the shrubby appearance of this type of ground cover. Its flowers grow in stalks over its shrubby base.
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Water:
Orange bulbine is a drought-tolerant, evergreen plant well-suited for arid environments, requiring watering every two weeks. It thrives in well-draining soil that replicates its native dry habitats, ensuring optimal hydration without waterlogging.
Fertilize:
For optimal growth of orange bulbine, use high phosphorus fertilizers sparingly with a balanced, slow-release mix in spring and mid-summer. Limit fertilization in cooler months to enhance hardiness. Mix fertilizers into the soil around orange bulbine while avoiding direct contact with foliage and roots.
Pruning:
Orange bulbine has fleshy leaves and produces yellow to orange flowers. Prune in early spring or late winter to encourage growth and shape maintenance. Remove spent blooms and damaged foliage, and cut back leggy stems for denser growth. Regular maintenance promotes health and ornamental appeal.
Propagation:
Orange bulbine is easy to propagate via division, where the rootball is gently separated to create new plants with roots and shoots. It quickly establishes when replanted, offering vibrant orange blooms and succulent foliage, making it a favorite among horticulture enthusiasts.
Repotting:
Repot orange bulbine every 2-3 years in spring, favoring spacious containers for its clumping nature. After repotting, keep orange bulbine in bright, indirect light and resume watering when new growth appears, ensuring good drainage to avert root rot. It flourishes with extra space to promote blooming.
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