Triteleia hyacinthina (White Brodiaea)

Triteleia hyacinthina (White Brodiaea) is a cormous perennial boasting 4-inch-wide umbels (10 cm) of up to 10-40 delicate, milky white flowers in late spring to early summer. The flowers are bowl-shaped, sometimes tinged with lavender, with conspicuous green central veins on the tepals. Rising on slender stalks, they provide a lovely display before the plant goes dormant in summer.

Triteleia hyacinthina (White Brodiaea) is a cormous perennial boasting 4-inch-wide umbels (10 cm) of up to 10-40 delicate, milky white flowers in late spring to early summer. The flowers are bowl-shaped, sometimes tinged with lavender, with conspicuous green central veins on the tepals. Rising on slender stalks, they provide a lovely display before the plant goes dormant in summer. The foliage of long, grasslike basal leaves, 16 in. (40 cm), emerges in early spring and dies back as the flowers appear. Easy to grow, undemanding, drought tolerant, beautiful and adaptable, Triteleia hyacinthina is a charming addition to the landscape. Native to western North America, it is often found in fields, grasslands, meadows, coniferous forests, and woodlands up to 6500 ft. (2000m).

  • Growing up to 15-24 in. high (37-60 cm), this beauty will naturalize in optimum growing conditions and will come back year after year.
  • Easily grown in a variety of well-drained soils in full sun. In cold winter areas, apply a layer of mulch to protect this plant. For best results, this plant needs moist to wet winters, and dry summers. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Virtually disease-free and pest-free. Soil should be kept moist but not wet. Too much moisture will cause the bulbs to rot. If rain is fairly regular, do not water at all.
  • Stunning in rock gardens, cottage gardens or meadows. For best visual impact, plant in groups.
  • Propagate by seed (no treatment), bulbs or division of bulbs.
  • Native to western North America from British Columbia to Idaho to central California.

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 10

Heat Zones 7
– 12

Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 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
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early)
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 10"
– 1'
(25cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 12″ (30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Southwest, Nevada
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden