Photo of Babiana sp. nova flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Babiana sp. nova

Also Known As

  • Babiana sp. 'Nova'

Plant type

bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 3"-6"
  • W: 12"-24"

planting zones

  • 8a-11

Babiana sp. nova plant details

Babiana sp. nova is a broadleaf deciduous bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring blue and lavender 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. Does well in average, clay, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Babiana sp. nova

Plant type: bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 3 IN - 6 IN - tall
Flowers: blue and lavender blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Babiana sp. nova

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

An as yet unnamed species from South Africa that has all the same familiar features that we so love about Babianas! Easy to grow, tolerant of many soil types, drought, & extra rewarding as it will self multiply over the years for increased stock. This cutie has soft lavender blue flowers marked with white or cream on the lower tepals. Grows to just 6” high (individual plants are narrow, but form colonies over time that can be 1-2' wide or more) with pleated, soft leaves that fade to brown as the plants recede underground during the Summer. Clay tolerant, nice in pots, rockeries, along paths, & etcetera. Needs no Summer water, but doesn't mind it either.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Babiana sp. nova plant

How to Grow Babiana sp. nova

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

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

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
    • lavender
  • 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

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
+9 more Babiana
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