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Photo by Stan Shebs

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Babiana sambucina

Plant type

bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 4"-12"
W: 6"-12"

planting zones

9a-11

Babiana sambucina plant details

Babiana sambucina is a broadleaf deciduous bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring lavender and purple 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 acidic, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Babiana sambucina

Plant type: bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 IN - 12 IN - wide, 4 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: lavender and purple blooms in spring
Uses: fragrant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Babiana sambucina

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Fragrance alone would be reason enough to grow this rare bulb from South Africa. In my personal opinion, it has the best & the strongest perfume of all of the Babianas. Growing to just 8”, & forming clumps over time, the flowers are held low to the ground, so I would advise putting it in a pot (at least 1' deep) in order to bring the plant up to nose level. This will also bring you face to face with the pretty mauve to violet blooms, which can appear either early or late in Springtime. Leaves are pleated & narrow. Though many Babianas survive in gardens that receive water during their summer dormancy, we would advise against it if you have clayish soil.