White Hyacinth Brodiaea
triteleia hyacinthina
Also known as: ["White Hyacinth Brodiaea","White Hyacinth"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial native to western North America, known for its clusters of star-shaped white flowers on tall stems.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Genus: | Triteleia |
| Botanical Name: | Triteleia hyacinthina |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or meadows
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy loam with organic matter; mimics natural coastal prairie conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; remove dead foliage in late autumn or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; only remove dead or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hotter climates to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun in arid regions; adjust shade levels based on seasonal temperature changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in dormancy
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce water after flowering to mimic natural drought conditions.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with sand or grit if needed.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); thrives in Mediterranean climates with cool, wet winters and dry summers.
Protect from frost; avoid excessive summer heat; mimic natural dry/wet cycles.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth
Fertilize sparingly; focus on phosphorus and potassium for blooms; stop feeding during dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or seed propagation; division is faster and more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide bulbs into healthy sections.
- Replant at the same depth.
- Water lightly.
- For seeds, sow shallowly and keep moist until germination.
Best Time: Divide bulbs immediately after flowering when foliage begins to die back; sow seeds in autumn for natural winter stratification.
Environment
Warm, dry conditions for bulbs; cool, moist conditions with indirect light for seeds.
Medium
Well-drained bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite; for seeds, use a standard seed-starting mix with good drainage.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Bulbs establish quickly within one season; seeds may take 1–3 years to germinate and several years to flower.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, sharp knife, bulb separator, seed trays.
Quick Tips
Divide only when necessary; store excess bulbs in a cool, dry place; label seedlings to track progress.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower stalks at the base after blooming; trim dead foliage as needed.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing spent flower stalks and dead foliage to maintain tidiness and prevent disease.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; trim dead foliage; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Repot in late summer or early autumn after dormancy but before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches if repotting in containers; ensure adequate drainage holes.
Method
Carefully lift bulbs, separate any overcrowded sections, replant at the same depth in fresh, well-drained soil, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Not typically required for bulbs planted in-ground; container-grown bulbs may need repotting every 2–3 years if overcrowded.
Checklist
Lift bulbs gently; check for rot or damage; replant at correct depth; ensure good drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at base; ensure drainage; reduce post-flowering; avoid winter watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring and early summer; reduce watering significantly after flowering until dormancy in late summer/autumn; avoid watering during winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and friable.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf burn in excessive heat; stunted growth or failure to flower in overly cold conditions; fungal issues in overly humid environments.
Cold Stress
Prolonged cold or frost can damage foliage and reduce flowering; bulbs may rot in waterlogged soil during winter.
Solution: Plant in well-drained soil to prevent bulb rot; provide a protective mulch layer in winter; avoid overwatering during cold periods.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering; bulbs may go dormant prematurely.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; water deeply but infrequently to keep bulbs cool; ensure good air circulation to reduce heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; avoid over-fertilization; cease after flowering.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as growth begins; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers; discontinue fertilizing after flowering.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicTriteleia hyacinthina is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicTriteleia hyacinthina is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicTriteleia hyacinthina is not considered toxic to humans. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I plant Triteleia hyacinthina bulbs?
A: Plant bulbs in fall, 4 inches deep and 4 inches apart in well-drained soil.
Q: Does Triteleia hyacinthina require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: Are the flowers fragrant?
A: The flowers have a subtle, sweet fragrance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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