The broad-leaved bulbine, Bulbine latifolia, is one of the largest in its genus and is more like an aloe than a bulbine. It grows naturally in the Eastern and Western Cape of South Africa.

The flowers are much larger than other bulbines, resembling an enlarged yellow asphodel, although they differ in that they are often borne on crescent-shaped pedicels that curve upwards from under the leaf towards the light. It grows up to four inflorescences per plant, all of which are adorned with densely flowered racemes 40-100 cm high. The flowers are pure yellow, opening at the base of the raceme and gradually creeping upwards over a period of a few weeks. The leaves are lanceolate, bright green and somewhat fleshy, forming single rosettes up to 20 cm high. The leaves can store water, giving the plant a reserve to draw on in times of drought.

It grows best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Under the right conditions, the plant will spread rapidly, forming an aloe-like clump that will increase in size over time. This bulbine prefers well-drained soil and likes some organic matter incorporated into the bed or planting area. It will do well in a container of any size, especially if regularly top dressed/fed with organic compost. We have also seen it growing out of large cracks in rock, it looks attractive in these conditions and is well suited to stone walls and rockeries.