Triteleia laxa Queen Fabiola

The Triteleia laxa 'Queen Fabiola' produces in early summer a cloud of tiny flowers of a beautiful sky blue striped with navy blue; it is one of the hardiest varieties!

The Triteleia Queen Fabiola blooms from June to July, depending on the region. It produces short umbel inflorescences 20-25cm (8-10in) in height, at the end of which beautiful upright bell-shaped flowers of a magnificent sky blue, striped with navy blue, bloom.

Small bulbous plants native to the western United States, Triteliea, formerly called Brodiaea, belong to the garlic family. They produce a mass of thin leaves in spring and wither just before flowering. Short and thin umbel flower heads emerge right from the ground at the end of spring or early summer, depending on the variety. They bear beautiful architectural flowers in blue, white, yellow or pink funnels.

Moderately hardy to very hardy, Triteleia doesn't like too much competition and prefers an open, sunny and protected spot. They enjoy well-drained, rocky or sandy soils, moist in spring and dry in summer; don't hesitate to plant them directly in pure sand, as their hardiness will be even better.

Grow it in the sun (in partial shade in hot climates), in a rockery, or at the edge of a dry garden in the company of catmints, feather grass, and fountain grasses.