Bulbinella latifolia, commonly known as Yellow Cat’s Tail, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the winter rainfall regions of South Africa, particularly the Western Cape, where it thrives in sandy or loamy soils in fynbos and renosterveld ecosystems. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 2 feet (0.6 meters). The plant forms dense clumps of long, narrow leaves and produces tall, slender spikes of star-shaped yellow flowers, which are highly showy during its blooming season in winter and spring. The flowers are attractive to pollinators and add a bright splash of color to the garden during times when few other plants are in bloom.

Yellow Cat’s Tail is valued for its drought tolerance and the vibrant display of flowers it provides during the cooler months. It is suitable for rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens, and as a border plant in areas with a similar climate to its native habitat. It requires full sun to light shade and prefers well-drained soils, tolerating both sandy and loamy substrates. While it is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during its growth period can enhance flowering. After flowering, the plant can be cut back to encourage new growth. It is generally free from serious pests and diseases, but overwatering can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0