Bulbine frutescens

Bulbine frutescens is a South African perennial with an exotic appearance, which is very resistant to drought but sensitive to the cold.  It is well adapted to arid Mediterranean rock gardens. The plant, whose stems root at the base when in contact with the ground, forms a thick groundcover over time.  Its long succulent, upright leaves are filled with a soothing and healing gel, used in herbal medicine. Pretty lemon yellow star-shaped flowers with prominent fluffy yellow stamens open on its delicate spike-like inflorescences. In a coastal garden, this flowering can occur throughout the year if the winter is very mild. Elsewhere, the bulbine can be grown in a pot on the patio or balcony, so that it can be overwintered indoors or in a greenhouse and protected from frost.

Bulbine frutescens is a herbaceous perennial plant with a woody base from the family Asphodelaceae (or Liliaceae). This botanical species is native to the Cape Province in South Africa, particularly the dry valleys of the Eastern Cape.  Undemanding in terms of soil, the fibrous roots of the bulbine only dislikes poorly drained soils that retain moisture. It thrives in rocky or sandy, poor and even limestone soils. It is hardy to -4 to -6°C in a dry soil during winter. Its foliage is evergreen.

It is a fast-growing succulent perennial, capable of forming a clump of foliage at least 60 cm (24in) wide and 30 cm (12in) tall. The base of the stems, woody and prostrate, bear a few adventitious roots that easily root into the soil. Its foliage consists of long, upright, fleshy and narrow leaves, grooved, light green and vibrant, becoming darker and greyer with age.  Flowering occurs from May to October-November in open ground, but there is a period of rest in July-August in very dry summers. Floral stems measuring up to 50 cm (20in) in height emerge between the leaves. They bear a very tight raceme inflorescence at their tip, 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) long. The small flowers open from the base to the top. Each flower, not exceeding 1 cm (1in) in diameter, has 6 bright yellow petals with a dark central line.  These curve backwards, revealing a cluster of fluffy bright yellow stamens. After pollination by insects, the fruit is formed: a small round capsule with three compartments, containing small black, fine and winged seeds, easily transported by wind and water.

Bulbine frutescens is a very good plant for Mediterranean rock gardens or in a dry coastal garden. Its somewhat exotic appearance will also delight enthusiasts of botanical curiosities, who will display it in a large pot on the patio during the summer, but protect it in winter. On a large slope, it will accompany all plants that thrive in dry conditions: lavender in shades of mauve or violet, creeping rosemary, Euphorbia myrsinites, cistus, Perovskia, creeping ceanothus, valerian... and many others.

Medicinal properties: The leaves of the bulbine have the same uses as those of Aloe vera. The fresh sap is recommended for treating burns, irritations, cracks, insect bites...