Cape Crocus
romulea bulbocodium
Also known as: ["Forked Iris","Little Crocus"]
Overview
A small, bulbous perennial with grass-like leaves and bright yellow flowers resembling crocuses.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Genus: | Romulea |
| Botanical Name: | Romulea bulbocodium |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, raised beds, or containers in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining; essential to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Sandy, loamy soil with excellent drainage; can tolerate poor soils but benefits from organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead foliage.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; focus on tidiness rather than shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates bright indirect light in warmer climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to prevent scorching; provide afternoon shade in hot regions; adjust light exposure based on seasonal changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun in summer; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce to monthly in dormancy
Allow soil to dry between waterings; water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging during dormancy.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with sand or grit if drainage is poor.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); thrives in mild climates with winter dormancy.
Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth, none in dormancy
Fertilize sparingly to avoid bulb burn; apply after watering to prevent root damage; stop feeding in summer.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; seed propagation is possible but slower.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Carefully lift the clump of bulbs.
- Separate small bulb offsets with a sharp, clean knife.
- Replant immediately at the same depth.
Best Time: After flowering, when bulbs are actively growing (late spring to early summer).
Environment
Warm, bright conditions with good air circulation; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix with added sand or perlite; can also be propagated in gritty sand or vermiculite.
Hormone
Not typically required for bulb division; optional for seed propagation.
Timeline
Bulbs can be divided immediately; seeds may take 1–2 years to germinate and establish.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, sharp knife, clean containers.
Quick Tips
Divide bulbs when they become crowded; ensure each division has roots and a growing point; replant at the same depth.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base; cut dead foliage back to the bulb.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb development; trim dead or damaged foliage as needed.
Tools
Hand pruners, scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; trim dead foliage; avoid cutting into the bulb itself.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer to early fall, after foliage has died back.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger than the current one; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift the bulbs; remove old, dry soil; replant in fresh, well-draining mix at the same depth; ensure bulbs are not planted too deep.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when bulbs become crowded; best done during dormancy to minimize stress.
Checklist
Check for crowded bulbs; use fresh soil mix; plant at the correct depth; ensure good drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the bulb, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; ensure excess water drains away to prevent bulb rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly during dormancy (summer); increase frequency in fall and spring as growth resumes; reduce watering in winter to prevent rot.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or grit to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing or browning of foliage; stunted growth; premature bulb dormancy in response to extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Prolonged cold can cause bulb rot or delayed growth; frost can damage foliage and impair flowering.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; avoid overwatering in cold conditions; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, wilting, and premature dormancy; intense sunlight may scorch leaves.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity around the plant; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid fertilizing dormant bulbs.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly during active growth (fall to spring); avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicRomulea bulbocodium is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant when ingested or handled by cats.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicRomulea bulbocodium is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant when ingested or handled by dogs.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicRomulea bulbocodium is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I plant Romulea bulbocodium bulbs?
A: Plant bulbs in well-drained soil in autumn, about 5 cm deep and 10 cm apart.
Q: Does Romulea bulbocodium require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: Are the flowers fragrant?
A: No, the flowers are not fragrant.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Iridaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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