Brodiaea are a bulb often referred to as Triteleia or ‘Cluster Lily’. It is the cultivar known as ‘Queen Fabiola’ that is the most widely grown, flowering in spring over a period of nearly 2 months the blue flowers look great in the garden and also make good cut flowers.
Originally from California, Brodiaea are a hardy bulb, do well in rock gardens and are suitable for cut flowers.
Varieties
- Brodiaea Queen Fabiola is used as a cut flower.
- Brodiaea californica or ‘Harvest Brodiaea’ is a larger purple flowering species.
- Brodiaea elegans with its purple flowers are attractive.
In the garden Queen fabiola is useful for the long lasting flowers in spring, on tall stems reaching around 20 – 25cm they make a long lasting display often around for over a month.
Growing hints and Care
Brodiaea do best in a well drained position in full sun and will flower in late spring.
Brodiaea are best planted in Autumn.
- Water when plants are in active growth.
- Ensure that the soil drains well especially over winter.
- Apply a little general purpose bulb fertiliser in early spring.
- Let the foliage die back before removing.
You can lift and divide them after the foliage has died back. This is recommended every few years to prevent over crowding.
Brodiaea will also do well in pots. With flowers in spring to early summer.
