California Gardens - The Year Round Gardening Site

Triteleia laxa - Ithuriel's Spear

Triteleia laxa is a California native bulb that thrives in heavy soils in the central valley and foothills on both sides of the valley. Ithuriel's Spear blooms in mid to late Spring and at times can provide the main source of color over vast stretches of grassland. The blue flowers are a striking contrast as the grass starts to turn to gold. I have re-bloomed Triteleia laxa it in my garden where the soil and conditions are far from what I would think were ideal. In fact we have something close to a swamp all winter and much of the Spring. And our soil is pretty heavy. I have grown Brodiaea laxa in containers in well drained soil with some summer water. There is a tradeoff between Summer irrigation and heavy soils. I have seen Triteleia laxa bulbs offered at nurseries and bulb suppliers with the old name of Brodiaea laxa. There is a white and purple striped version of this plant that goes by the name Triteleia Rudy. The Sara Orangetip will stop in for nectar.

More bulbs for a California Garden

Triteleia laxa, Brodiaea laxa, Ithuriel's Spear

First flower of the season with mist Triteleia laxa - Ithuriel's Spear. High resolution photos are part of our garden image collection.

Triteleia laxa, Brodiaea laxa, Ithuriel's Spear

Blue flowers of Triteleia laxa - Ithuriel's Spear. High resolution photos are part of our garden image collection.

Triteleia laxa, Brodiaea laxa, Ithuriel's Spear

Blue flowers of Triteleia laxa - Ithuriel's Spear.