About
Albuca shawii is a deciduous plant characterized by its slender, fleshy leaves that are narrow and somewhat adhesive. The erect flower stems reach heights of up to 30 cm and produce numerous nodding flowers that are yellow with green stripes, blooming over an extended period during the summer months. The flowers emit an almond fragrance, while the foliage has a subtle aromatic quality.
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
- Chalk, 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
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants
- Native to
- S Africa, Lesotho
- Fragrance
- Flower, Foliage
- 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
- Plant bulbs 8-10cm (3-4in) deep in spring. Any sunny position in a well-drained, fertile soil is suitable. Under glass, grow in containers of peat-free John Innes No 2 potting compost with added sharp sand and leafmould. A position in full light is ideal. Water moderately when the bulbs are in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. When dormant, keep bulbs dry
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed at 13-18°C (55-64F) as soon as ripe or remove offsets when the plant is dormant
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free