Maori Onion
Bulbinella hookeri

Family: Asphodelaceae

What it is like

Bulbinella hookeri is a BULB growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.7

Where it is found

Northern slopes and damp places from lowland to sub-alpine pastures on North and South Islands south to latitude 42° south.

New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Root - fleshy. No further details are given.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

An easily grown plant so long as it is in a moist peaty neutral or slightly acidic soil, but it also succeeds on dry hillsides. Shade tolerant. Plants only succeed outdoors in the mildest areas of Britain, they are hardy to about -5°c, tolerating light short-lived frosts. A plant is growing in the rock garden at Cambridge Botanical Gardens. It is in an open position but does not receive a lot of direct sunlight. This species is becoming much more common in the wild because it is not eaten by grazing animals nor is it killed by burning.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Sow stored seed in a greenhouse as early in the year as possible. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 13°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first two winters, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in the spring. Best done as the plants come into growth. Pot the divisions up and grow them on in a cold frame until they are established then plant them out in the summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Bulb

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Anthericum hookeri.