Photo of Babiana ringens flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Babiana ringens

Also Known As

  • Baboon Flower
  • Rat's Tail Babiana

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 6"-12"
  • W: 3"-6"

planting zones

  • 8a-11

More Options

Babiana ringens plant details

Babiana ringens is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring magenta flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in acidic, average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Babiana ringens

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 IN - 6 IN - wide, 6 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: magenta blooms in spring
Uses: border plant, container plant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Babiana ringens

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Native to the Fynbos of South Africa, this unusually showy plant bears its bright red, tubular flowers on side branches close to the ground. The main stalk is sterile & the foliage is long and erect. One of the hardiest bulbs of the cape, it grows naturally in sandy soil.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Babiana ringens plant

How to Grow Babiana ringens

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • average
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • magenta
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy

See other plant types of Babiana for your garden

Plant Type

Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 4"-12"

Width: 6"-12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Babiana sambucina flower, foliage by Stan Shebs
View Plant

Plant Type

Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 8"-12"

Width: 8"-12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Babiana angustifolia flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

aka Baboon Flower

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 4"-6"

Width: 4"-6"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Babiana curviscapa flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

aka Baboon Flower

Plant Type

Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 4"-5"

Width: 4"-5"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Babiana framesii flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

aka Baboon Flower

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 2"-5"

Width: 3"-6"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Babiana nana flower by J.G. in SF
View Plant
+9 more Babiana
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