Albuca spiralis

RHS Plant Profile
corkscrew albuca

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corkscrew albuca RHS

Synonyms

Ornithogalum circinatum

Award of Garden Merit
Bulbs Conservatory Greenhouse Herbaceous Perennial

A curious species with corkscrew leaves in the growing season and one central flower spike bearing hanging yellow and green flowers on individual flower stalks in late winter to early spring. Dormant in summer. Height to around 20cm

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eatenskin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eatenskin irritant - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus
Albuca are bulbous perennials with linear or narrowly lance-shaped leaves and loose racemes of yellow or white flowers, with three spreading tepals and three forming a tube, each often marked with green or brown on the reverse
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
S Africa (W Cape)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant bulbs 8-10cm deep in spring. Any sunny position in a well-drained, fertile soil is suitable. Under glass, grow in containers of peat-free John Innes No 2 potting compost with added sharp sand and leafmould. A position in full light is ideal. Water moderately when the bulbs are in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. When dormant, keep bulbs dry

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Mediterranean climate plants

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free