Frizzle Sizzle Corkscrew Albuca

Frizzle Sizzle Corkscrew Albuca (Albuca spiralis 'Frizzle Sizzle') is a small South African succulent, about 20cm tall and 10cm wide, whose slender grassy leaves coil into tight spirals in bright light. In spring it sends up long, slender stems of hanging, bell shaped flowers in green-yellow with a gentle fragrance. It suits pots, rockeries and gardens with mild wet winters and hot dry summers.

Why you'll love it

• Corkscrew foliage. The smooth grassy leaves curl into tight spirals as the plant grows in bright light, like a head of ringlets.
• Hanging bell flowers. Green-yellow bells hang from long, slender stems, and they carry a gentle fragrance.
• Tiny and tidy. At 20cm by 10cm it fits a small pot, a bowl or a rockery pocket.
• An easy rhythm. It grows through autumn and winter, flowers, then rests through summer on almost no water, a pattern that suits southern climates.

Where it works best

Pots and bowls. Plant 10cm apart in a shallow dish of gritty mix at eye level, where the spirals and the scented flowers can be enjoyed.

Rockeries and sunny pockets. Tuck it among stones where drainage is sharp and the crown stays above the soil.

Southern gardens. It suits gardens with mild wet winters and hot dry summers, which is the pattern across much of southern Australia.

Growing Frizzle Sizzle Corkscrew Albuca in Australia

Position and climate. Bright light all day keeps the spirals tight, though a little shade from overhead midday sun helps avoid scorch. Choose a warm spot sheltered from frost and strong winds. It suits Mediterranean and warm temperate climates, and elsewhere it does well in a pot.

Soil. Light, sandy, free draining soil in pots or in the garden. Plant it with the crown kept above the soil surface.

Water and feed. Water weekly while the plant is in leaf, through autumn, winter and into spring, and feed once in spring with an organic liquid fertiliser mixed at half strength. When flowering finishes and the leaves yellow and fade, cut watering to a minimum for the summer rest. It sprouts again in autumn, and watering resumes.

Pruning. None is needed. Let the leaves fade naturally during the summer rest. Like many bulbs, treat the plant as toxic if eaten, and keep it away from pets and children.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Frizzle Sizzle Corkscrew Albuca as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. The curl develops as the plant grows in bright light, so give it a sunny spot from the first week.

The tube is grown for us and is not in constant supply. It shows as sold out whenever our grower has none, and the notify button on the page sends you an email the day it is available again.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More succulents to grow
• Plants for rockeries
• Plants that suit pots
• Succulents in Australia: a care guide

Common questions

Why are the leaves not curly?

Spirals need bright light. Move the plant where it gets light all day, with a little shade from the harshest midday sun.

What happens in summer?

After flowering, the leaves yellow and fade as the plant rests. Reduce watering to a minimum, and resume in autumn when it sprouts again.

Is it safe around pets?

Treat it as toxic. Like many bulbs, it should not be eaten, so keep it where pets and children cannot chew it.