5 BULBS - Babiana Mixed Colours Corms - Plant Now - Indigenous Bulbs - NEW

Commonly known as Baboon Flower this member of the Iridaceae family has round, marble-sized corms that are clothed in densely matted reddish tunics. It is a winter-growing, summer-dormant plant that is indigenous to the Cape region of South Africa, though some species occur further north. Cup-shaped, six petalled blooms are arranged along a 20cm tall floral spike. The blooms open successively from the lowest upwards. Colours range from blue to mauve, red, white and cream. The foliage is hairy and linearly ribbed. Babianas get their common name from the fact that baboons are said to relish the corms.

Babianas are most effective in small groups in the rockery or as potted plants. Plant the corms during autumn in sandy loam soil. The corms like to be deep-seated and should be planted with some 8cm of soil over them. Space them about 5cm apart, closer in pots. They need full sunlight to bloom properly.

Babianas can withstand light frost. The need regular, deep watering to root level throughout winter and spring but should be kept dry in summer. They will tolerate a well-watered summer garden if drainage is good. Corms may be lifted in early summer and stored in dry packing material until the next autumn. Division is by offsets, which form on runners underground as well as on mature corms. Babianas can also be multiplied by seed sown in autumn. Germination takes six weeks. Protect the foliage from red spider mites.