About

Bulbinella hookeri is a deciduous species that develops rosettes of lance-shaped, somewhat fleshy leaves reaching heights of up to 30 cm. Growth begins in early spring. As the season progresses, it sends up upright stems that can reach 60 cm, topped with dense clusters of star-like yellow flowers that persist throughout the summer months.

About the genus

Bulbinella consists of perennial plants that can be either evergreen or deciduous. They typically form clumps and feature narrow, fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette. The species produce numerous small, star-shaped flowers, which are predominantly yellow or white, arranged densely in a raceme that rises prominently above the foliage.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Rock garden, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native to
New Zealand

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil in full sun or partial shade. Mulch with leaf mould in winter. Can also be grown in an alpine house in containers of equal parts loam, leaf mould and sharp sand
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed in a cold frame as soon as ripe or propagate by division in autumn
Pest resistance
Under glass, glasshouse whitefly, aphids and glasshouse red spider mite may be problematic
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free