Gondwanaland Trading Company
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Corkscrew Albuca

(Albuca spiralis )
Albuca spiralis

Commonly called the Corkscrew Albuca, This Albuca provides an interesting show even when it is not in flower. During the winter months when this little gem is actively growing its foliage, it forms corkscrews and twists in a most fascinating manner. Given ample sunlight, a mature planting is a riot of twisting and spiraling foliage resembling a green, curly head of Medusa! In spring the bulbs are topped by numerous yellow-green flowers that lend a unique green-glow to the early season garden. After flowering and seed production is complete, the bulb goes to sleep for the summer but reliably returns in the fall to invigorate the winter landscape.

This plant is a cool season grower and does not initiate new foliage until the cooling effects of fall. It generally goes dormant by the end of May on the West coast. This plant may or may not have foliage in the heat of the summer. If it does have foliage, during the hottest part of summer, it may look ratty, but as long as the bulb is firm the plant is in good health and it will improve in appearance once new foliage initiates in the fall.

Albucas all need excellent drainage and A. spiralis is reliably hardy into the low 20s. It is a great plant for the southern rock garden as well. The curling of the leaf tips is largely dependent on weather conditions. Cool dry conditions encourage the leaf tips to curl, while warm most conditions tends to encourage erect, straight, uncurled leaf tips. We sell this unique plant in 4” pots while supplies last.

Giant Coreopsis

Giant Coreopsis

Corkscrew Albuca

Corkscrew Albuca