Thelionema plants and species
Thelionema caespitosum or ‘Tufted Lily’ and Thelionema grande ‘Greater Rock Lily’ or ‘Blue Flax Lily’ are the two most common forms of this wonderful small rhizomatous perennial found widely in the ranges along the east coast of Australia from Southern Queensland through NSW to Victoria and Tasmania. All with attractive large starry flowers to 25cm.
Thelionema grande (picture right) will form a large clump with strappy foliage reaching 50cm, flowers are held above on long stems.
Thelionema caespitosum (syn Stypandra caespitosa) is smaller growing to around .3m, yellow or blue flowers rising above on branched stems in spring to summer
Growing conditions and Care
Thelionema are a tufted clump forming perennial that will grow well in a rock garden situation.
They require a well drained soil, however growing amongst rocks they do obtain some moisture from beneath the rocks, so a little extra water during hot dry periods will be beneficial.
Propagation.
Thelionema can be grown from seed, but are a little difficult and slow. Larger clumps can be divided in winter to early spring. All species are well suited to a rock garden situation
Summary Information
- Full Sun
- Well drained soil
- Good organic matter in the soil
- Native plant fertilizer in late winter
- Remove dead foliage to tidy up
- Maintain moist soil through first two summers to aid with establishment.
Landscaping Uses
Thelionema look good in the garden border where some varieties add good height. They grow well near the margins of ponds and are suited to growing in containers.
These are a decorative perennial plant that grow in clumps, flowering early to mid summer with flowers on long stems, deep blue to purple flowers, if you can find the white forms they are worth the effort. Full sun and a well drained humus rich soil. Keep moist while establishing.