If you’re after a plant that blooms almost non-stop with minimal fuss, Orange Bulbine is a true South African treasure. Also known as Hallmark Bulbine or Burn Jelly Plant, this fast-growing, clump-forming evergreen perennial features a dense, spreading rosette of fleshy, succulent, grey-green leaves that are narrow, strap-like, and shaped like long, curving fingers. From spring through autumn (and often into winter in mild coastal gardens), it produces an abundance of slender, upright flower stalks bearing clusters of small, star-shaped blooms in a warm, coppery-orange with fluffy, bright yellow centres.
Proudly native to the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Karoo regions, Orange Bulbine is perfectly at home in local gardens. It thrives in full sun to light shade—a sunny spot brings the most abundant flowers. It’s remarkably unfussy about soil, growing well in most well-drained types, from sandy and rocky to loamy and even clay, as long as they don’t become waterlogged. Once established, it’s highly drought-tolerant. It handles coastal and windy conditions with ease and is hardy to light to moderate frost. Reaching 30–60cm tall when in flower and spreading 60–90cm wide, it’s perfect for rockeries, borders, mass plantings as groundcover, or as a colourful accent in containers.
Key Features:
- One of the longest-blooming South African perennials—spring through autumn, often year-round in mild areas
- A proud Cape native that attracts bees and butterflies
- Succulent leaves produce a clear, gel-like sap that soothes burns, rashes, insect bites, and cold sores
- Highly drought-tolerant once established; thrives in poor, well-drained soils
Gardening Note: Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil—avoid heavy, waterlogged soils, especially in winter. Water regularly until established; mature plants are highly drought-tolerant. Remove spent flower stalks regularly to encourage continuous blooming. This cultivar is self-sterile but spreads readily by division. Sensitive to severe frost; in colder inland areas, plant in a warm, sheltered spot or grow in a movable container. Generally pest-free.
