WHAT: Triteleia laxa Queen Fabiola, also known as blue fools onion, is a West Coast native bulb that blooms from late spring to early summer with striking 2-inch-long, purple-blue, star-shaped flowers. Bright green straplike foliage emerges in late winter. As it starts to yellow and fade early in the growing season, thin flower spikes shoot up and are topped with clusters of blooms.
WHY PLANT IT: It is adaptable and will tolerate heavy soils and sunny locations.
WHERE: This plant is a good addition for sunny spots that do not get watered in the summer, or planted in masses through low groundcovers to add seasonal color.
HOW: It grows best in a dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Its bulb will rot if it is subjected to wet winter conditions. Use it in combination with other plants to fill open spaces once it goes dormant for the summer. Bulbs can be divided at any time during dormancy.
ACTUAL SIZE: As many as 25 flowers are held facing upright atop each 18- to 24-inch stem.
LEARN MORE: See www.greatplantpicks.org.
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