Triteleia laxa Queen Fabiola

Family: Themidaceae

Common Name(s): Ithuriel's spear, Grassnut, Fabiola.
Previous botanical name: Brodiaea laxa

Native to: California

Flowering: Spring

Watering: Water in well at planting time and then on an occasional basis to promote growth.

Planting Aspect: Full Sun, Part Shade

Preferred Climate:

 

Temperate, Grassland

Description

Looking similar to a deep violet-blue mini agapanthus (but definitely not related) is this popular and very easy to grow spring bulb that can be 'naturalised' in garden borders, grown in pots and also valued as a long lasting cut flower for the vase or floral arrangement. Queen Fabiola grows to around 30cm in height with a flower spread of 10 to 15cm per stem in late spring/early summer. King Fabiola grows to a larger size and height than "Queen Fabiola" and reaches a height of 45 to 60cm with a flower spread of 10 to 15cm per stem in late spring/early summer. The Triteleia bulb multiplies rapidly but not invasively and is suited to rockeries, garden borders and sunny bed plantings.

Cultivation

Choose a sunny to part shaded position and rich, free draining moist soil. Prepare the growing site by digging over the soil and adding a good handful of blood and bone, rich compost or well decayed animal manure prior to planting out. Plant the bulbs 10 to 12cm deep and apart in groups of 5 to 10. Water in well at planting time and then on an occasional basis to promote growth. A general fertiliser given in spring when new growth emerges will speed the growth. Withhold watering over the summer and autumn months so as to provide a dry dormancy period. No particular pests or diseases.