Babiana Rubrocyanea

Babiana rubrocyanea is one of the most spectacular Cape bulbs, producing low fans of pleated, softly hairy leaves and broad cup-shaped flowers of intense cobalt to violet-blue. Each bloom has a sharply defined crimson-red centre, creating the dramatic contrast celebrated by the Latin name, which means red and blue. The genus name comes from the Cape Dutch word for baboon, whose namesake animals dig for the corms. Endemic to a small area of Western Cape renosterveld, this rare winter-growing species is best treasured in a deep pot with cool-season moisture and a completely dry summer rest.