Triteleia laxa Silver Queen

Triteleia laxa 'Silver Queen' is part of a group of bulbous plants related to ornamental garlic, commonly known as Brodiaea, producing umbels of long-lasting star-shaped flowers in bouquets. 'Silver Queen' is a particularly refined and luminous variety, with white and iridescent flowers that have a lovely silver reflection. The plant blooms in late spring or early summer, above a clump of grass-like leaves that disappear more or less early in summer. Give it a place in a very sunny rockery for at least part of the day. Perfectly well-drained soil, even dry in late summer, is the secret to success with this unusual and charming plant.

Triteleia 'Silver Queen' belongs to the Allium family, just like garlic and onion. Triteleia and Brodiaea are bulbous plants native to the West Coast of the United States. Their foliage resembles a tuft of grass. It is not uncommon for it to turn yellow before flowering, which occurs in May or June depending on the climate and region. These bulbs thrive in light and well-drained soil, which should be moist during the growth and flowering period, and then drier until early autumn. They are most commonly planted in autumn, like crocuses and tulips. While they are relatively cold-hardy for the most part (zones 4 to 7 depending on the species), it is advisable to protect them with a thick mulch in winter in colder regions.

The 'Silver Queen' cultivar will reach about 40-50cm (16-20in) in height when in bloom. Vegetation resumes in autumn in mild climates, but in spring everywhere else. The bulb produces a clump of thin, linear, and narrow leaves that are a bright green. The flowering lasts for 3 to 4 weeks in late spring. From the slender, solid, rush-like stems emerge the umbel-shaped inflorescence. Each umbel is composed of about ten small, single, star-shaped flowers, measuring 2 to 2.5cm (1in) in diameter. Each white petal is crossed by a darker grey midline. The plant multiplies by producing bulbils.

Fairly hardy, down to -10/-12°C (14/10.4°F) in well-drained soil, grow Triteleia 'Silver Queen' in the sun (or partial shade in hot regions), in a rockery, or on the edge of a dry garden. It pairs well with catmints, Stipa, and Pennisetums. Thulbagia, small South African plants with corms that are also garlic relatives, with their small pink or violet flowers, as well as variegated Alstroemerias and Ixias, are good companions for Triteleia. Its flower umbels are perfect for bridal bouquets.