Babiana stricta - Blue Baboon Flower

Babiana stricta, also known as Babiana or Baboon Flower, is a beautiful, little-known bulbous plant among gardeners, probably due to its low hardiness and specific cultivation requirements. It is a relative of Gladioli and Ixias, native to South Africa, and thrives in mild Mediterranean or oceanic climates. Its hairy gladiolus-like foliage emerges in autumn, and its lightly scented flowering, with variable colours depending on the plants, occurs early in spring. Lovely in a sunny rock garden or raised bed, it will naturalize where it is happy: in a light, rich, rather dry soil in winter and summer, in non-burning sunlight. Cultivating it in pots is easy and allows for close observation of its flowering while protecting it from cold in winter and excess humidity in summer.

If Babiana stricta is called Baboon Flower, it is because baboons love to dig up its bulbs during flowering. It is also called Blue Freesia, due to the similarity of the flowers and their blue colour, which does not exist in the Freesia. This botanical species is native to the Cape region in South Africa, characterized by a Mediterranean climate. Some consider it a subspecies of Babiana disticha. This plant has been awarded by the Royal Horticultural Society in England. Its hardiness is approximately -7°C.

Its underground reserve organ is called a corm. It is a type of bulb covered with a fibrous tunic, ending in a fibrous neck. Vegetation starts in autumn with the return of rain. From the soil emerge gladiolus-shaped leaves, with parallel veins, covered in a light fuzz, soft to the touch. Each leaf measures 4 to 12cm (2 to 5in) long and is a medium green colour. From March to May, depending on the climate, the plant produces a flower spike on average 20cm (8in) tall, bearing at least 6 flowers approximately 5cm (2in) wide. Each flower consists of 6 petals arranged in a cup shape and slightly opening like a star. The colour range includes white, various shades of mauve, violet, pink, and purple. The flowering emits a pleasant lemony fragrance. After pollination by insects, it gives way to fruits containing very hard black seeds. The leaves dry up with the onset of dryness and summer heat, when the plant goes into dormancy.

In mild oceanic climates, if you have a bit of space at the base of a south-facing wall, protected from winter rains, in porous soil, you can cultivate this Babiana, which will live for many years and multiply over time. In Mediterranean regions, place the bulbs in morning sun, in lightened and enriched soil with a pinch of bulb fertilizer; the rainfall pattern will suit them perfectly. Babiana stricta pairs well with other spring bulbs: consider crocuses, narcissi, and botanical tulips, as well as Anemone blanda. If your region experiences cold winters, pot cultivation is essential: place your pots in a bright, lightly heated location and reduce watering. You can bring them out onto the terrace or balcony at the end of April.