Care of Brodiaea Flowers

Brodiaea (Trileleia laxa) flowers are native to the Pacific coast from Vancouver south to Southern California. They are small perennial bulbs reaching 18 to 20 inches high with purple six-petaled flowers. They are common native choice for rock gardens and flowerbeds.

Growing Conditions

• Brodiaeas like full sun to slightly shady conditions with well-draining organically rich soil. They can survive winter temperatures to -20 degrees with mulching and to 0 degrees without mulching, USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8. They prefer to stay moist while growing, but established plants can survive dry summers.

Planting

• Brodiaea bulbs, called corms, are planted in the fall before the ground freezes so they can grow and bloom in summer. The corms should be planted at a depth of about 2 1/2 to 3 times the bulb's diameter. Space the bulbs about 4 inches apart. Avoid planting in places that pool water when it rains which may cause rotting.

Care

• Brodiaeas sprout in the spring and flower in early summer. The flowers can be cut and used in flower arrangements. When the flowers die off in late summer, remove the stems but leave the foliage until it naturally dies off so the plant can build reserves for the following year. In the coldest parts of its range, mulch to protect them from severe freezes.