Buy Albuca spiralis

Also Known As

Ornithogalum circinatum
Corkscrew Albuca

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 6"-12"
W: 6"-9"

planting zones

9a-12

5" pot | $22

Ships USPS, based on weight/location

Fewer than 20 at Secret Garden Growers

More Options

Albuca spiralis plant details

Everyone goes crazy for this weirdo, and it's easy to see why. Magical, whimsical, Seusian curly leaves. Way cool, all on their own. Add to that buttery vanilla-scented flowers in spring. We'll grow even tiny insignificant flowers when they smell like cookies. But they are sort of orchid-like yellow flowers streaked with green. There's something about green on a flower that low-key says, "I'm a very sophisticated plant collector," don't you think? Don't over-water. Dry heat just heightens the curly leaf effect. It's summer dormant, don't worry, it hasn't died. It wants to be dry while dormant so don't try to water to wake it up. It'll be back for fall. Grow it in the garden, or on a sunny windowsill. Heck, do both! It's a lot of fun to look at wherever.

Albuca spiralis is a broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In winter green and yellow flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer, dry when dormant. Does well in average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Albuca spiralis

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: asparagaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 6 IN - 9 IN - wide, 6 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: green and yellow blooms in winter
Uses: container plant, fragrant, houseplant, vanilla-scented

GROWING CONDITIONS for Albuca spiralis

USDA Zones: 9a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

We independently publish plant data to search multiple nurseries at once. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases when you buy through our links.

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Curious and rare South African bulbous perennial, the grassy onion like leaves are tightly curled and coiled at the ends (plant perm?), heat and dry make them coil even more! 8-12” spring spikes of sweet vanilla scented yellow flowers marked with green add more drama! This kinky plant needs well drained soil, full sun and is summer dormant, returning in fall. Let dry between waterings and find a dry spot for dormancy. Said to make a good houseplant in a sunny window and easy to overwinter indoors. Hardiness is not really known, but said to be 8b.

By: Secret Garden Growers

Oh, how I’ve lusted after this plant with its super-cool corkscrew leaves sprouting out of a large caudex-forming bulb & cool flowers, too! The bell-shaped greenish-yellow flowers supposedly smell of butter & vanilla, somewhat like a cookie, I’d guess. This one is a Winter grower & can survive on rains alone, but doesn’t need a strict dormancy. Blooms late Winter thru Spring & grows to be about 1’ tall. From South Africa, so give it good drainage. Best grown in a pot where it can be enjoyed close up while it is growing and then put away in summer while its dormant.