Albuca are bulbous perennials with narrow leaves and racemes of yellow or white flowers in summer. They hail from southern Africa.
From Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa, Albuca shawii, or Shaw's albuca, is an unusual plant with nodding bright yellow, green-striped, almond-scented flowers in summer. The fine, aromatic foliage has a slight liquorice aroma when stroked or crushed.
Plant Albuca shawii bulbs in spring, ideally in a pot, as the plants are not reliably hardy in UK winters. Incorporate plenty of grit into the compost, as plants need good drainage, and grow in a sunny spot. Lift and store the bulbs over winter before replanting in spring. Alternatively, grow plants from seed.
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Albuca and wildlife
Albuca has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
