A tufted native lily with fleshy grass-like leaves and spikes of fragrant star-shaped yellow flowers in spring. An easy, drought-hardy perennial and bush-food bulb.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 40 cm H × 30 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Bulbine Lily
Botanically, Bulbine bulbosa is a perennial in the Asphodelaceae family, native to New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. It reaches around 40 cm tall and 30 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Yellow flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Bulbine Lily
Bulbine Lily suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is usually left alone by rabbits.
Soil & planting
Bulbine Lily does best in free-draining, sandy and clay soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Bulbine Lily performs well with relatively little water once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Bulbine Lily after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Bulbine Lily in the garden
Bulbine Lily earns its place for pots and courtyard containers and feeding bees and pollinators. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Bulbine Lily with plants that share its preference for low water use and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Bulbine Lily
Plant Sale lists Bulbine Lily as tube stock, potted plants, advanced specimens and seed. Current stock is confirmed with your quote; ask about your preferred size before planning a purchase.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Bulbine Lily seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
