Babiana curviscapa

Also Known As

Baboon Flower

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 4"-6"
W: 4"-6"

planting zones

8a-11

Babiana curviscapa plant details

Babiana curviscapa is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring purple 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. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Babiana curviscapa

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 4 IN - 6 IN - wide, 4 IN - 6 IN - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Babiana curviscapa

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A pretty “Baboon flower,” with deep purple (occasionally violet or magenta) flowers with pretty & distinctive white or yellow markings. Leaves are short, pleated, & curved. Like all Babianas, this one returns reliably every Spring, & increases easily. Short in stature, to only about 6” when mature, but striking in bloom, even at a distance, as most are cheerfully bright in color. Though it is naturally found on sandy flats, we've found many Babianas to be very clay tolerant as well, especially if you don't water them much during the Summer. (They don't particularly mind irrigation, but neither do they need it!) For us, bloom time is February through March. Summer deciduous!