< Back

Tiny Tangerine Bulbine

Bulbine frutescens

true

1 gallon

Tiny Tangerine Bulbine

In stock

1’x1.5’

Sizes:

Tiny Tangerine — Bulbine frutescens (dwarf form)

Also known as: Dwarf Bulbine, Miniature Orange Bulbine

This compact form of the well-known orange Bulbine is a low-growing clumping succulent that works beautifully in small spaces, containers, and tight planting areas. Native to South Africa, it spreads slowly by underground rhizomes to form mounds about 1 foot tall and 1.5 feet wide. Its succulent, green onion–like leaves stay compact and tidy with minimal effort.

From fall through spring, the plant produces an abundance of 12-inch flower spikes topped with bright orange, starry blooms that attract pollinators and bring long-lasting color to the garden.

While literature often states that it tolerates full sun, experience in low desert gardens shows that full sun often leads to leaf tip burn and leggy growth, which can make the plant look scraggly and shorten its lifespan. For best appearance and longevity in desert conditions, it should be planted in semi-shade to full shade, such as beneath desert trees or on the east or north side of buildings.

This succulent performs well in containers, entryway beds, or as an understory plant in shaded areas. It prefers well-drained soils and is low-maintenance, heat-tolerant, and drought-resistant once established, making it a dependable choice for desert-friendly landscaping.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui); Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae); Honeybee (Apis mellifera); native bee species
Bird Resources: Insects
Bird Species: Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria); House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

Plant Care

Native region:

Desert Adapted

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Part Shade

Mature size:

1’x1.5’

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Orange

Flower season:

Fall - Spring

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

25 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.