A delightful small bulb from the winter-rainfall regions of South Africa, Albuca fragrans produces slender, upright leaves and charming, nodding, starry white/Yellow flowers with a green midstripe. As the name suggests, the blooms are sweetly fragrant, adding another layer of interest to this already appealing species. It thrives in sharply drained, gritty soil and appreciates a dry summer rest, making it especially well-suited to rock gardens, bulb frames, troughs, and alpine houses. This species is dormant in summer and begins growth with the return of autumn moisture. Without a magical DNA machine I can’t be absolutely certain of the ID as this seems to be variable in the trade.
Native to the Western and Northern Cape provinces, where it grows on rocky slopes and flats, often in full sun. It’s best grown in a sunny, sheltered spot with excellent drainage and protection from winter wet in colder climates. In areas with severe frost, it should be lifted or kept in pots under cold glass. Hardy to approximately USDA Zone 8, though with excellent drainage and a dry winter, it has survived temps down to 12 degrees for multiple days here at illahe, often with nothing but a frost blanket on it.
A delightful small bulb from the winter-rainfall regions of South Africa, Albuca fragrans produces slender, upright leaves and charming, nodding, starry white/Yellow flowers with a green midstripe. As the name suggests, the blooms are sweetly fragrant, adding another layer of interest to this already appealing species. It thrives in sharply drained, gritty soil and appreciates a dry summer rest, making it especially well-suited to rock gardens, bulb frames, troughs, and alpine houses. This species is dormant in summer and begins growth with the return of autumn moisture. Without a magical DNA machine I can’t be absolutely certain of the ID as this seems to be variable in the trade.
Native to the Western and Northern Cape provinces, where it grows on rocky slopes and flats, often in full sun. It’s best grown in a sunny, sheltered spot with excellent drainage and protection from winter wet in colder climates. In areas with severe frost, it should be lifted or kept in pots under cold glass. Hardy to approximately USDA Zone 8, though with excellent drainage and a dry winter, it has survived temps down to 12 degrees for multiple days here at illahe, often with nothing but a frost blanket on it.