Bulbine frutescens Hallmarck

Bulbine frutescens Hallmarck is a South African perennial with an exotic appearance, very drought-resistant but frost-sensitive, well adapted to arid Mediterranean rockeries. The plant, whose stems root at the base when in contact with the soil, gradually forms a thick groundcover. Its long succulent and upright leaves are filled with a soothing and healing gel, used in medicine. Pretty star-shaped orange flowers with prominent yellow stamens open on its slender spike-like inflorescences. In a coastal garden, this flowering can occur all year round if the winter is very mild. Elsewhere, Bulbine 'Hallmarck' can be grown in a pot on the patio or balcony, overwintered indoors or in a conservatory protected from frost.

Bulbine frutescens is a woody-based herbaceous perennial plant from the family Asphodelaceae (or Liliaceae). This botanical species is native to the Cape Province in South Africa, particularly the dry valleys of the Eastern Cape. Undemanding in terms of soil, the fibrous roots of Bulbine only dislike poorly drained soils that retain moisture. It thrives in rocky or sandy, poor, even limestone soils. It is hardy to -4 to -6°C at its lowest, in dry soil during winter. Its foliage is evergreen.

The 'Hallmarck' selection only differs by the orange colour of its flowers, which are lemon yellow in the typical form. It is a fast-growing succulent perennial, capable of forming a clump with foliage that is at least 60 cm (24in) wide and 30 cm (12in) tall. The base of the stems, woody and prostrate, bears a few adventitious roots that easily sink into the soil. Its foliage consists of long, upright, fleshy and narrow leaves, grooved, light green and vivid, becoming darker and greyer with age. Flowering occurs from May to October-November in the ground, but there is a resting period in July-August during very dry summers. Between the leaves, floral stems measuring up to 50 cm (20in) in height emerge. At their tip, they bear a tightly packed raceme inflorescence, 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) long. The small flowers open from the base to the top. Each flower, not exceeding 1 cm (1in) in diameter, has 6 bright orange petals with a dark central line.  These flowers curve backwards, revealing a cluster of bright yellow stamens. After pollination by insects, the fruit develops: a small round capsule with three chambers, containing small black, fine and winged seeds, easily transported by wind and water.

Bulbine frutescens 'Hallmarck' is an excellent plant for Mediterranean rockeries in a dry coastal garden. Its somewhat exotic appearance will also delight enthusiasts of botanical curiosities, who will grow it in a large pot on the patio during the summer, but protect it during winter. On a large slope, it will accompany all dryland plants: purple or violet lavenders, creeping rosemary, Euphorbia myrsinites, cistus, Perovskia, creeping ceanothus, valerian... and many more.

Medicinal properties: The leaves of Bulbine frutescens have the same uses as those of Aloe vera. Fresh sap is recommended for treating burns, irritations, cracks, insect bites...