Tiny Tangerine Bulbine

Bulbine 'Tiny Tangerine'

Bulbine ‘Tiny Tangerine’ in April 2011; 20% ET0. Photo: SK Reid.

Summary

This cultivar of cape balsam is an exceptional garden plant with superior pest tolerance and disease resistance.  It blooms for an extremely long period of time, slowing only during the coldest months from December to early February, and then pausing again in July.  The most remarkable feature of this plant turned out to be its attraction for lady bugs during the winter months.  They rested by the dozens down between the bases of the succulent leaves.  When the weather warmed up in spring, they awoke and took care of all the aphids on the neighboring Iceberg roses in the field within a month.  This suggests a possible beneficial companion planting scheme. There were no significant differences in plant growth between treatments, but with marginally better overall quality, the lowest rate of 20% would be recommended, especially in a heavier soil.

The Master Gardeners consistently gave high marks to ‘Tiny Tangerine’, except in the coldest areas, Shasta and Nevada Counties, where it did not survive the extreme cold and snow during the first and second winters, respectively. They all praised its long bloom period, consistently good looking leaves, and tidy habit. The plant was especially appreciated in Riverside County, where it was irrigated only twice a month in a very freely-draining granitic soil.

Growth and Quality Data

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