About

Albuca flaccida is a bulbous plant that enters dormancy during the summer months. It features slender, grass-like foliage that emerges in the spring. During this time, the plant produces an upright flower spike adorned with aromatic, pendulous yellow blossoms that have a green base. Additionally, it generates numerous small offsets, referred to as bulbils, at its base, which resemble grass while they are still young.

About the genus

Albuca is a genus of bulbous perennials characterized by their linear or narrowly lanceolate leaves. These plants produce loose racemes of flowers, typically in yellow or white, featuring three tepals that spread outward and three that create a tubular shape. The reverse side of each tepal is frequently adorned with green or brown markings.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Alpine Rockery, Bulbs
Habit
Tufted
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Gravel garden, Rock garden
Fragrance
Flower
Toxicity
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin irritant

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in soil with very good drainage in full sun, outside in mild areas but with winter protection elsewhere
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed as soon as ripe or remove offsets when the plant is dormant
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free