Burn jelly plant (stalked bulbine) Bulbine frutescens
Burn jelly plant (stalked bulbine) (Bulbine frutescens) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Asphodelaceae family, native to South Africa (Northern, Western and Eastern Cape) and Namibia. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Burn jelly plant (stalked bulbine) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 26–52 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South Africa (Northern, Western and Eastern Cape) and Namibia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇪🇸 Spain |
Is Burn jelly plant (stalked bulbine) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Burn jelly plant (stalked bulbine)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Burn jelly plant (stalked bulbine)
- How far apart should I plant Burn jelly plant (stalked bulbine)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Burn jelly plant (stalked bulbine) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Burn jelly plant (stalked bulbine) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Burn jelly plant (stalked bulbine)?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Burn jelly plant (stalked bulbine) flower?
- About 26–52 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks.
- Is Burn jelly plant (stalked bulbine) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Burn jelly plant (stalked bulbine)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Burn jelly plant (stalked bulbine). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
Notes and assumptions
- A plant of dry, sunny places: grow it in gritty, free-draining soil and water deeply but rarely; cold and wet together kill it faster than frost or drought.
- Clumps of fleshy, grass-like leaves and spikes of starry orange or yellow flowers with fluffy stamens for most of the year. The clear jelly in the leaves is a traditional South African first aid for burns, stings and cracked lips, like aloe.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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