Information about Soldier-in-the-Box Flower

INFORMATION ABOUT SOLDIER-IN-THE-BOX FLOWER...

By: Nikki Phipps

The genus Albuca is native to Arabia and Africa but is seen predominately in South Africa. All Albuca species grow from bulbs, and most have a dormancy period after flowering whereby they lose their leaves.

The most characteristic feature of the genus is the shape of the flower. The three outer petals spread out but the inner three stay closed. The flowers come in a limited color range, white and yellow to green, but are usually embellished with a green stripe. Flowers are either presented in a nodding or drooping formation.

The genus includes evergreen, winter-growers as well as summer-growers. There are numerous species of Albuca, of which includes A. canadensis, or Soldier-in-the-box. Also known as Sentry boxes, this particular species is one of the best known in the group.

Soldier-in-the-box produces dark-green, cylindrical leaves and drooping yellow flowers that have a greenish overlay and are also sweetly scented.

Both the leaves and the flower stem are covered with small hairs. When you touch these hairs, you smell a slightly sweet scent. The flowering period is late winter to early spring.

This species is indigenous to the South African province of the Western Cape. Soldier-in-the-box bulbs are winter-growing, going dormant during summer. The summer growing species are opposite of this behavior, beginning their growth period in spring, dying back in autumn, going dormant during the winter.

A. nelsonii is another of the commonly known species and native to the South African province Kwazulu-Natal. The flowers appear after the leaves have grown out in spring and are white with a red stripe on the outside.

They need a sunny location with a well drained, light soil. These bulbs will also grow quite well in sandy or clay-like soils. Soldier-in-the-boxes make great accents in rock gardens, cultivated beds, and along slopes. When the temperature is cold, or the bulb is leafless, they should be kept dry to prevent rotting. It is best to give the bulbs some protection in the winter, preferably using a good layer of mulch.

Soldier-in-the-box bulbs should remain undisturbed for years, if possible. These plants set seed, which are easily dispersed by wind and will naturalize quite easily. If over crowding becomes a factor, the plant can be divided in late summer. Unfortunately, most species rarely produce offsets; therefore, growing soldier-in-the-box from seed is generally the best way to increase stocks, and usually the only way to obtain most species.

Seeds can be sown at the same time mature plants are in active growth, and will usually germinate within a week. Seedlings usually do not flower until well into their third year.