Botanical name:

Bulbinella rossii

Common name(s):

Ross’s lily

About:

Generally acclaimed as the most stunning species of Bulbinella, this plant is also extremely difficult to cultivate. Native to the Auckland and Campbell Islands, it covers large areas of hillside. In its natural habitat, the plant grows between 75cm to 1m, featuring bright green, strap-like leaves that arch stiffly. During summer, its showy, bright golden yellow flowers cluster on robust spikes. For a successful cultivation, it requires a deep, moist, peaty soil and thrives in a cool, lightly shaded environment.

Natural habitat:

Widespread and common from sea level to the tops of island ranges. B. Rossii flourishes in disturbed sites, and so common near old habitations and because it is not especially palatable, where browsing animals congregate. Prefers open herb-fields and tussock grassland, where it may form dense colonies.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wind & Wetland tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Auckland and Campbell Islands

Height: 1m

Flowering:

October - January with a yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

December – March

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings

How to grow:

Difficult - should not be removed from the wild. It has been cultivated with limited success in the more southerly parts of New Zealand.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though