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Soldier-in-the-Box Albuca

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
al-BEW-kah
Description

Albuca, is a genus of perennial herbs, grown from bulbs, and native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is a flowering plant that contains about 117 different species. In general, the plants are slender, but robust, with many lily-like flowers. Depending on the species, the plant can produce from 3 to 150 flowers. These plants prefer well-drained, sandy soil and do best in full afternoon sun. They fall into the category of Tender III, which means they sustain frost injury at temperatures below 25 degrees F.

Albuca are planted from bulbs set 8 inches deep in pots, typically 3 bulbs for each 6 inch pot, with 2 inches between each bulb. They are typically planted in cultivated beds, sheltered from the wind, and once flowering, they are pollinated by insects. The stem is sheathed in leaves with linear blade and is generally fleshy and sappy with a mucus-like juice (the common name "slime lilies").

Diseases, Insect Pests and Other Plant Problems:

No known disease or pest issues.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bulb#full sun tolerant#white flowers#yellow flowers#summer flowers#summer bulbs#striped leaves#sandy soils tolerant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bulb#full sun tolerant#white flowers#yellow flowers#summer flowers#summer bulbs#striped leaves#sandy soils tolerant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Albuca
    Family:
    Asparagaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Africa, from the Mediterranean to South Africa
    Distribution:
    Have been introduced into Arkansas, Mexico, and Western Australia.
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    sandy soil
    Bulb Storage:
    Leave bulbs in dry planting medium and store at 45-48 degrees F (7-9 degrees C)
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    Ovoid capsule containing black, flattened seeds.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Tubular
    Flower Petals:
    Bracts
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Inflorescence a raceme; peduncle glabrous; bracts lanceolate to ovate-acuminate, not spurred; pedicels erect to ascending . Flower's color is yellow or white with green or red stripes and the flowers are scented, especially at night. Flowers usually appear with the leaves.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Rubbery
    Leaf Type:
    Sheath
    Leaf Shape:
    Filiform
    Lanceolate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves produced at the same time as the flowers, filiform to lanceolate. The leaves can be glabrous (smooth) or pubescent (hairy), depending on species.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Cutting Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Mass Planting