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

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Babiana angustifolia

Plant type

bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 8"-12"
  • W: 8"-12"

planting zones

  • 9a-11

Babiana angustifolia plant details

Babiana angustifolia is a broadleaf deciduous bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring blue flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees 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 clay, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Babiana angustifolia

Plant type: bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 8 IN - 12 IN - wide, 8 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Babiana angustifolia

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: clay, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Beautiful blue Babianas! This Babiana has intense dark blue to violet flowers with black or red markings on the petals. The plant reaches to about 12” high and wide and has nicely pleated, hairy leaves. Native to damp clay flats of South Africa, it should tolerate our clay just fine. But it should have a dry period in Summer when it receives no water. Blooms in mid-Spring and should naturalize nicely.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Babiana angustifolia plant

How to Grow Babiana angustifolia

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • grassy

Landscape groups by tags

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

aka Baboon Flower, Rat's Tail Babiana

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 6"-12"

Width: 3"-6"

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

More Options

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
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved