Family: Alliaceae

This genus of 15 species of hardy corms grows in a range of habitats in western North America. Slender stemmed, with grass-like leaves, they produce pretty clusters of bell-shaped blooms during spring and summer. The flowers are mainly in shades of violet and blue, but may also be pink. Many species of this genus have been reclassified under Dichelostemma and Tritelcia.

Species

B. californica grows to 45 cm (18 in), with blue to purple flowers to about 4 cm (1½ in) long.

B. coronaria grows to around the same height and has violet or purple flowers.

B. elegans has deep mauve blooms and its flower stems grow to 50 cm (20 in). B. minor is smaller, to 30 cm (12 in), with pink or violet flowers.

B. stellaris is a miniature variety, to 15 cm (6 in), with tiny purple blooms.

Cultivation

Brodiaea can be grown in containers, as a border plant, or in a rock garden. They will tolerate very light shade. The soil should be well drained, but contain enough organic matter to retain some moisture. Bulbs should be planted 5-7 cm (2-3 in) deep in early to mid-autumn. These plants need ample moisture during spring and early summer, but should be kept fairly dry in late summer and autumn. In areas with cold winters protect corms from frost with a mulch. Propagate from seed sown in early spring or from offsets of bulbs in autumn.

Climate

Zones 8 and 9.