Albuca humilis
low-growing albuca
A small, bulbous perennial to 10cm tall producing one or two narrow, cylindrical, dark green basal leaves in summer up to 20cm long and a loose head of up to three, cup-shaped white flowers striped green on the outside fading with age to reddish-brown. Flowers have a strong scent of marzipan
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- Potentially harmful
- 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
- Genus
Albuca are bulbous perennials with linear or narrowly lance-shaped leaves and loose racemes of yellow or white flowers, with three spreading tepals and three forming a tube, each often marked with green or brown on the reverse
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S & C Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in an open, sunny position in a well-drained soil. Keep dry when bulbs are dormant
Propagation
Propagate by seed or remove offsets when the plant is dormant
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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