Triteleia ixioides 'Starlight'

Triteleia ixioides 'Starlight', it is the only variety of the genus to bloom cream yellow. Earlier than the others, it blooms as early as May.

Triteleia 'Starlight' blooms from May to June, depending on the region. It produces short inflorescences in umbels 25-30cm (10-12in) tall, at the end of which beautiful upright bell-shaped flowers bloom, bi-coloured, cream yellow, striped with brown.

Small bulbous plants, native to the western United States, Triteleia formerly known as Brodiaea, belong to the garlic family. They produce a mass of fine leaves in spring and wither just before flowering. From late spring, or early summer depending on the varieties, short and slender inflorescences in umbels emerge from the ground. They bear beautiful graphic flowers, in blue, white, yellow or pink funnels.

Moderately hardy to very hardy, Triteleia do not like too much competition, prefer an open, sunny and sheltered spot. They like well-drained, rocky or sandy soils, moist in spring, dry in summer; do not hesitate to plant them directly in pure sand, their hardiness will be even better.

Grow them in the sun, in a rockery, or on the edge of a dry garden with Nepetas, Stipa and Pennisetums.