About
Albuca humilis is a compact perennial, typically reaching heights of up to 10 cm. It produces one or two slender, cylindrical leaves that are dark green and can grow up to 20 cm in length during the summer months. This species features a loose cluster of up to three cup-shaped flowers that are white with green stripes on the exterior, which develop a reddish-brown hue as they mature. The flowers emit a notable fragrance reminiscent of marzipan.
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
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Bulbs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0-0.1 metre
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden
- Native to
- S & C Africa
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten, skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten, skin irritant - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in an open, sunny position in a well-drained soil. Keep dry when bulbs are dormant
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or remove offsets when the plant is dormant
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free