Albuca spiralis

Common Names

Corkscrew Albuca, Frizzle Sizzle, Helicopter Plant, Slime Lily, Spiral Albuca, Curly Albuca, Spiral Grass, Spiral-Leaved Albuca, Sticky Corkscrew Lily

Summary

Spiral Albuca, also called frizzle sizzle, is a South African bulbous plant with slender, corkscrew leaves that twist from a bulb and are green with glandular hairs; leaves form a rosette and reach up to about 20 cm tall, with a single central flower spike bearing 10–20 yellow-green flowers that carry a vanilla/butter fragrance; blooms occur in late winter to early spring, and the plant is winter-growing with summer dormancy.

Cultivation emphasizes well-draining sandy soil (50–70% inorganic matter), full sun to bright indirect light, and temperatures around 60–75°F; hardy in USDA zones 8–11; water moderately during the growing season and sparingly during dormancy, allowing soil to dry between waterings; protect from overwatering to prevent bulb rot; propagation mainly by bulb division or seeds; suitable for containers and rock gardens; plant is drought-tolerant once established; fertilize during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer; remove spent flower stalks to maintain appearance.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8 inches

Spread

4-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial sun to partial shade; may need afternoon shade in extreme heat.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, sandy soil.

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow growth

Seasons of Interest

Winter, Spring, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings