Babiana sambucina

Fragrance alone would be reason enough to grow this rare bulb from South Africa. In my personal opinion, it has the best & the strongest perfume of all of the Babianas. Growing to just 8”, & forming clumps over time, the flowers are held low to the ground, so I would advise putting it in a pot (at least 1' deep) in order to bring the plant up to nose level. This will also bring you face to face with the pretty mauve to violet blooms, which can appear either early or late in Springtime. Leaves are pleated & narrow. Though many Babianas survive in gardens that receive water during their summer dormancy, we would advise against it if you have clayish soil.

Claire Woods
Propagator