Consulta Plantas

Care of the bulbous plant Bulbinella cauda-felis or Cat's Tail Bulbinella

The genus Bulbinella, family Asphodelaceae, comprises 40 species of bulbous plants native to South Africa and New Zealand. Some species are: Bulbinella cauda-felis, Bulbinella angustifolia, Bulbinella elegans, Bulbinella nutans, Bulbinella triquetra.

Common name: Cat's Tail Bulbinella. This species is native to the Cape Province of South Africa.

They are bulbous plants with glossy light green tapered leaves that curve downward; they can reach 60 cm (1.96 feet) in height when they bloom. They produce flower spikes filled with small white or yellow flowers. They can bloom from late winter to early summer.

They are used to form groups and in pots for patios and terraces; they are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. They are excellent cut flowers for floral decorations.

Bulbinella cauda-felis can grow in full sun or semi-shade exposure. With the cold they lose their leaves and do not resist frost.

The soil has to be well drained and contain organic matter.

They are drought-resistant plants that need moderate watering while waiting for the soil to dry out completely. In winter, when the plant is at rest, they will be watered very little.

Fertilize with compost in late winter.

They do not need pruning nor do you have to dig up the bulbs in winter.

They are resistant to pests but sensitive to excess moisture.

They propagate by division in late winter. They also propagate by seeds sown in a seedbed in sandy substrate at 20 ºC.

Images of the bulbous plant Bulbinella cauda-felis or Cat's Tail Bulbinella