Bulbinella gibbsii, commonly known as Gibbs's Māori onion, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae. It is endemic to New Zealand, primarily found in the South Island. B. gibbsii is typically found in cold habitats in soils with high water content, and typically in tussock grasslands. There are two recognised varieties of B. gibbsii, var. gibbsii and var. balanifera. B. gibbsii, var. gibbsii reaches a height of up to 300 mm tall, while var. balanifera can reach 600 mm tall. B. gibbsii was first described in 1909 by the New Zealand botanist Leonard Cockayne, var. balanifera was described by the botanist Lucy Moore in 1964. It gets its specific epithet, gibbsii, after the New Zealand educationalist Frederick Gibbs.
Gibbs maori onion has moderate disease resistance but is comparatively sensitive to humidity. High humidity makes it more susceptible to disease, and it is prone to root rot while dormant. Regarding care, Gibbs maori onion tolerates drought but requires increased watering during the growing season. Watering should be greatly reduced or stopped entirely during dormancy. Gibbs maori onion is appropriate for growers with some experience, though it can be challenging to care for, particularly during the dormant period. It is especially suited to those who can dedicate time to its care during the winter months.
How to keep Bulbinella Gibbsii.
Light
The Gibbs maori onion typically comes from habitats that have speckled lighting, like the lower layer of forests or rocky regions that offer inherent shade. It thrives best in partial sunlight but is also capable of withstanding total sunlight.
Temperature
Gibbs maori onion can tolerate some warmth, but chiefly prospers in the colder periods and goes into hibernation during the summer. It's vital to offer shade against the harsh summer sun to keep it from wilting. During the season of extreme heat, you should also lessen or stop watering to keep the roots from rotting. During the colder months of winter and spring, the Gibson maori onion shows significant growth. Provided the temperature doesn't get overly cold, it will consistently grow.
Fertilizer
For the Gibbs maori onion, it is adequate to apply light amounts of fertilizer 1-2 instances annually during the period of growth. Refrain from fertilizing in winter and summer when the plant is in a dormant state. Lessen the quantity of fertilizer for plants that have been repotted and hold off on fertilizing for a few months post repotting. Fertilization aids in robust growth and promotes flowering.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb, Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Biennial
- Hardiness Zone
- 8-10
- Mature Height
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 20 cm to 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Yellow Green
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 1.52 cm
- Bloom Time
- Winter
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late winter, Early spring, Mid spring
- Native Area
- New Zealand
