Triteleia

( try - TELL - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering perennials grow from corms and need full sun and no formal irrigation, making them a fantastic choice for water-wise gardeners. They bloom in spring and early summer, and flower color varies depending on the species.

Triteleia Species and Varietals

Triteleia grows best in zones 3-9 and 14-24, though this varies somewhat depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Triteleia crocea (Yellow Triteleia, Yellow Tripletlily)
These plants are native to northern California and southern Oregon, and produce two or three leaves up to 16 inches long. Flowers are typically bright yellow (but some are blue) with dark stripes on their exteriors and bloom from May through June. Leaves are green and glossy.

Triteleia grandiflora (Brodiaea grandiflora) (Largeflower Triteleia, Largeflower Tripletlily, Wild Hyacinth)
This species produces a flower stalk 2 feet tall that is topped with multiple blue to white trumpet-shaped flowers. Leaves are green and almost grass-like in appearance. Blooms appear spring and summertime.

Triteleia hyacinthina (Brodiaea hyacinthina, Brodiaea lactea) (White Brodiaea, White Tripletlily, Hyacinth Brodiaea, Fool's Onion)
This species is best in zones 2-9 and 14-24 and forms clusters of white, purple-tinged papery blooms that have green veining. The flower stalk can reach 9-20 inches tall. These plants are native to western North America, from British Colombia to Idaho and down through central California. Bulbs are edible.

Triteleia ixioides (Brodiaea ixioides, Brodiaea lutea) (Pretty Face, Golden Brodiaea, Golden Star)
This species produces a 20-inch tall flower stalk topped with golden yellow flowers that have purple-black veining. These plants are native to central and northern California as well as southwestern Oregon, where they grow in coastal and inland forests and other habitats.

Triteleia laxa (Brodiaea laxa) (Grass Nut, Ithuriel's Spear, Common Triteleia)
This species is best in zones 2-9 and 14-24, and produces a flower stalk that reaches 2.5 feet tall, and holds purple-blue trumpet-shaped flowers. Variety 'Queen Fabiola' has deep violet flowers. Corms are used similar to potatoes. This species is native to California and southwestern Oregon.

​Triteleia x tubergenii (Brodiaea tubergenii)
This plant is a hybrid between two other species of Triteleia, and produces a flower stalk that grows to 2.5 feet tall and has light blue flowers.

Caring for Triteleia

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Triteleia
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 638, Triteleia
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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