Triteleia 'Blues' is an elegant early-summer flowering bulb producing loose umbels of rich light blue, funnel-shaped flowers, each marked with a deeper bluish-violet stripe through the centre of the petals. The flowers are carried on slender upright stems above narrow foliage, creating an airy display that works beautifully amongst herbaceous perennials and ornamental grasses.

Flowering during June and July and reaching approximately 55cm tall, 'Blues' is also an exceptional cut flower. The blooms have an excellent vase life and, under favourable conditions, can remain decorative for several weeks as successive buds continue to open.

• Botanical name: Triteleia 'Blues'
• Common name: Triplet Lily
• Plant type: Cormous perennial
• Flower colour: Rich light blue with bluish-violet central stripes
• Flowering time: June-July
• Height: Approximately 55cm (22in)
• Spread: Approximately 10-15cm per plant
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Ideal for: Borders, gravel gardens, containers and cut flowers

About Triteleia 'Blues'

Triteleia are graceful bulbs native to western North America and are valued for their clusters of starry to funnel-shaped flowers. 'Blues' is particularly attractive for its cool colouring, with pale to mid-blue petals accentuated by a more intense violet-blue line running through each segment.

The flowers are carried in rounded umbels at the top of long, slender stems. Each individual bloom opens from a narrow bud into a six-petalled funnel, and because the flowers open gradually, the display can continue for a useful period in early summer.

Flowering in June and July

'Blues' flowers during June and July, just as many spring bulbs are finishing and summer perennials are beginning to take over. This makes it particularly useful for extending the bulb season into early summer.

The foliage begins to fade as the flower stems develop, allowing the blooms to appear almost suspended above surrounding plants. For this reason, Triteleia works especially well woven through low-growing perennials or ornamental grasses.

Where to Plant Triteleia 'Blues'

Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil. Triteleia performs best where the corms can enjoy warm conditions during summer and are not left sitting in heavy, waterlogged ground.

It is ideal for mixed borders, gravel gardens and raised beds. Its relatively narrow habit also makes it easy to plant between established perennials without taking up much ground space.

How to Plant Triteleia Corms

Plant the corms approximately 8-10cm deep and around 10cm apart, with the growing point facing upwards. For the strongest display, plant several corms together in loose groups or drifts.

On heavier soils, improve drainage with horticultural grit before planting. Once established, the corms are generally best left undisturbed so they can mature and gradually increase.

Height and Spread

Triteleia 'Blues' reaches approximately 55cm tall when flowering, with an individual spread of around 10-15cm. Mature groups can gradually become broader as the corms increase over time.

Excellent for Cut Flowers

Triteleia is particularly useful as a cut flower because the many buds on each stem open progressively. This can give the stems an exceptionally long decorative life in arrangements, potentially lasting several weeks under good conditions.

Cut the stems when the first few flowers have opened and place them promptly into clean water. The cool blue colouring works beautifully with white, pink, purple and silver foliage in arrangements.

After Flowering

Allow any remaining foliage to yellow and die back naturally after flowering. The leaves continue feeding the corm while they remain green and help build up reserves for the following year's display.

Once dormant, the corms prefer relatively dry conditions and can remain in the ground where drainage is suitable.

Why Grow Triteleia 'Blues'?

• Rich light blue flowers
• Distinctive bluish-violet central stripes
• Elegant multi-flowered umbels
• Flowers during June and July
• Height of approximately 55cm
• Spread of around 10-15cm
• Excellent for sunny borders and gravel gardens
• Superb long-lasting cut flower
• Useful for extending the bulb season into summer

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Triteleia 'Blues' flower?
It normally flowers during June and July.

How tall does Triteleia 'Blues' grow?
Flowering stems reach approximately 55cm (22in) tall.

What is the spread of Triteleia 'Blues'?
Allow approximately 10-15cm for each plant. Established corms may gradually increase to form wider groups.

What colour are the flowers?
The blooms are rich light blue with a deeper bluish-violet stripe running through the centre of each petal.

Does Triteleia need full sun?
Yes. A warm, sunny position with good drainage provides the best flowering conditions.

Is Triteleia 'Blues' good for cutting?
Yes. The long stems and progressively opening flowers make it an excellent cut flower with an unusually long vase life.

How deep should I plant Triteleia corms?
Plant them approximately 8-10cm deep and around 10cm apart.

With its airy blue flower heads, violet-striped petals and excellent performance as a cut flower, Triteleia 'Blues' is an elegant choice for adding cool colour and height to sunny borders in early summer.