Consulta Plantas

Care of the bulbous plant Babiana stricta or Baboon flower

The Babiana genus, family Iridaceae, comprises 80 species of bulbous plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Babiana stricta, Babiana nana, Babiana villosa, Babiana ambigua, Babiana rubra.

Common names: Baboon flower, Blue freesia. This species is native to South Africa.

They are bulbous plants that have elongated leaves of intense green color with very marked longitudinal nerves. The showy flowers are yellow, red, violet or white and have 6 petals. They bloom in spring.

They are used in the garden (weather permitting) to form colorful groups using different varieties, or on terraces and patios in deep pots.

Babiana stricta needs full sun exposure and sheltered from the wind (which can break the delicate stems). The winter safety temperature is 10 ºC (50 ºF).

The ideal soil is a well-drained garden substrate with abundant organic matter. The bulbs are planted in late autumn 6 cm (2.36") deep and 10 cm (3.93") between specimens.

Water moderately while the leaves are growing (once every 2 weeks) and increase watering when temperatures rise in spring (once a week). Reduce watering after flowering and stop watering when the leaves start to turn yellow.

Fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer during the flowering period.

When the leaves dry, remove the bulbs and store them in a dry and dark place.

They can be attacked by mites or fungi.

They propagate from the shoots that the plant produces in the main bulb.

Images of the bulbous plant Babiana stricta or Baboon flower