Overview
Bulbinella angustifolia is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Bulbinella, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1 metres tall. Bulbinella angustifolia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, rock garden, coastal, cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.
About
Bulbinella angustifolia, commonly known as the Māori onion, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae. It is endemic to the South Island of New Zealand, mostly found in Canterbury and Otago. It is commonly found in tussock grasslands in areas with moderate moisture contents. B. angustifolia reaches a height of up to 100 cm (40 in) tall. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, rock garden, coastal, cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds and wall side borders. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant at appropriate depth in well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bulbinella angustifolia
About the genus
Bulbinella is a genus of plants in the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Asphodeloideae, first described as a genus in 1843. Many species are endemic to Cape Province in western South Africa, confined to the winter rainfall area. Other species are endemic to New Zealand, where they are most common in the central Otago region which enjoys a similar climate to the Cape Region of South Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Bulbinella", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bulbinella
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Bulbinella
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Bulbinella angustifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1 metres
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Rock garden, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Bulbinella angustifolia
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Bulbinella angustifolia?
Bulbinella angustifolia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Bulbinella angustifolia need?
Bulbinella angustifolia grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Bulbinella angustifolia grow?
Bulbinella angustifolia reaches a height of 1 metres.
Is Bulbinella angustifolia hardy in the UK?
Bulbinella angustifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Bulbinella angustifolia?
Seed, Division.
More in the Bulbinella genus
- Bulbinella cauda-felis
- Bulbinella eburniflora
- Bulbinella gibbsiiGibbs's Māori onion
- Bulbinella hookerigolden wand
- Bulbinella modesta
- Bulbinella rossii
