Triteleia laxa (Ithuriel's Spears)
Ithuriel's Spear, Triplet Lily, Fool's Onion, Brodiaea Laxa, Grassnut, Blue Brodiaea, Bloomeria, Long Rayed Triteleia, Pretty Face, Starflower, Wild Hyacinth, Wally Baskets, Spring Bulbs, Spring Flowers
Reminiscent of a spear, Triteleia laxa (Ithuriel's Spear) is a late spring or early summer flowering corm featuring funnel-shaped flowers, up to 1-2 in. wide (2-5 cm), arranged in large, loose umbels rising on long, slender stalks atop narrow, erect basal leaves. The flower color varies from deep blue to pale purple-blue to almost white. Since they open up one at a time, the blooming period of this flower bulb lasts for quite a while before it goes dormant, requiring a summer dry rest. Easy to grow, undemanding, beautiful and adaptable, this plant is a great addition to the landscape.
- Growing up to 15-18 in. high (37-45 cm), this beauty will naturalize in optimum growing conditions and will come back year after year!
- Easily grown in light, sandy, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade. Tolerates clay soil. In cold winter areas, apply a layer of mulch to protect this plant. For best results, provide the plant with consistent moisture spring to early summer; however, maintain a dry soil after blooming until the following spring. Drought tolerant.
- Virtually disease-free and pest-free.
- Stunning in beds, borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens or city gardens. For best visual impact, plant in groups (at least 10 bulbs). Long-lasting cut flowers with a great vase life.
- Propagate by separating corms when dormant.
This exceptionally interesting genus is offered under a variety of names. In addition to 'Brodiaea', it is also known as 'Ipheion', 'Dicholostemma' and 'Bloomeria'. Although there are more than 300 species, Triteleia laxa is the only one which is commonly cultivated and available. This bulbous plant originally comes from the warm regions of the United States, specifically California, and is not entirely winter hardy.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
6 - 10
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
6 - 10
|
Climate Zones | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Triteleia |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 4" (10cm) |
Spacing | 3" - 4" (7cm - 10cm) |
Depth | 3" (7cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Drought |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
6 - 10
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
6 - 10
|
Climate Zones | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Triteleia |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 4" (10cm) |
Spacing | 3" - 4" (7cm - 10cm) |
Depth | 3" (7cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Drought |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
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