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Description
Triteleia hyacinthina, commonly known as White Brodiaea, is a bulbous perennial plant native to California, USA. It belongs to the family Asparagaceae and produces clusters of white or pale blue flowers atop a slender stem. The plant’s leaves are narrow, grass-like, and up to 20 inches long.
Taxonomic Information
Domain | Eukarya |
---|---|
Kingdom | Plantae |
Phylum | Tracheophyta |
Class | Liliopsida |
Order | Asparagales |
Family | Asparagaceae |
Genus | Triteleia |
Appearance
Triteleia hyacinthina grows up to 30 inches tall and produces clusters of up to 20 flowers. Each flower is about 1 inch in diameter and has six petal-like segments that are fused at the base, forming a narrow tube. The flowers are white or pale blue with a yellow center. The plant’s leaves are narrow, grass-like, and up to 20 inches long. The bulbs are small, round, and covered in a papery tunic.
Care Guide
Triteleia hyacinthina is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly during its growing season, from late winter to early summer. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant the bulbs in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal.
- Sunlight: Triteleia hyacinthina prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like many plants, Triteleia hyacinthina is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common:
- Thrips: These tiny insects can damage the flowers and leaves of the plant.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause discoloration and distortion of the plant’s leaves.
- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause the flowers and leaves to turn brown and rot.
- Bulb rot: This disease can cause the bulbs to become soft and mushy.
Habitat
Triteleia hyacinthina is native to California, USA, where it grows in grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Question and Answer
Q: When should I plant Triteleia hyacinthina bulbs?
A: Plant the bulbs in the fall, about 2 to 3 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart.
Q: How often should I water Triteleia hyacinthina?
A: Water the plant regularly during its growing season, from late winter to early summer. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Can I grow Triteleia hyacinthina in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow the plant in a container as long as the container is deep enough to accommodate the bulbs.
Q: How do I propagate Triteleia hyacinthina?
A: The plant can be propagated by dividing the bulbs in the fall.
Related Plants
- Triteleia laxa (Ithuriel’s spear)
- Triteleia ixioides (Golden brodiaea)
- Triteleia grandiflora (Large-flowered brodiaea)
References
- “Triteleia hyacinthina.” Pacific Bulb Society, www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/Triteleia_hyacinthina.
- “Triteleia hyacinthina.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b826.
- “Triteleia hyacinthina.” Calflora, www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Triteleia+hyacinthina.