Albuca shawii
A. shawii is widespread in the Drakensberg and the Highveld regions, also into the E.Cape, up to 2400m, on cliffs, in rocky grassland, mostly mountains. It is totally dormant in winter, so can probably withstand up to -10°C. Thin grass like leaves producing loose umbels with rather uncommon yellow/green flowers. I find it delightful for its colour, long flowering time, and a few bulbs together make a good summer potplant. It does seed itself, but not invasively. ( Rhoda McMaster, Eastern Cape, South Africa) Julian Slade: Flowers yellow and green, nodding. Leavesnarrow, glandular, reputedly smelling of aniseed when crushed! Summer-growing/flowering, winter dormant. is synonymous. Very good plant for cooler regions in the open ground.
The genus
Albuca is emerging as a promising genus for desert gardeners as it is particularly suitable for warm climates. Most species have spikes of white or yellow flowers with a green median stripe. Leaves are brittle and often tubular.
- Family :Liliaceae
- Subfamily :Hyacinthaceae
- Section : subgenus: Falconera.
- Native to :Afrique du Sud (Nord est)
- Native climate :sub tropical (dry winter)
- Colour :Yellow
- Exposure :half-shade
- Storage organ :bulb
- Growth :summer grower
- Flowering height :40-70 cm
- Uses :Borders - In the ground - Containers or pot
Growing cycle
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