Brodiaea Triteleia 'Corrina'
ABOUT
The Triteleia 'Corrina' is a striking flower that showcases a cluster of elegant star-shaped blossoms. These flowers are arranged in a loose, open umbel, giving the appearance of a delicate floral spray. Each individual flower possesses a unique beauty, with a funnel-like shape that flares out into six pointed lobes at the end, resembling the stars that inspired their shape. Usually, the petals of the 'Corrina' exhibit a soft, lavender-blue hue that can add a soothing splash of color to any garden arrangement. The center of each flower often has a darker shade, sometimes showing darker blue or even purple tones, which can create an enchanting contrast against the lighter petals. Additionally, the stamens extend beyond the mouth of the blossom, adding a subtle touch of elegance with their prominent anthers often in a contrasting hue. The foliage of the 'Corrina' consists of narrow, grass-like leaves that form a clump at the base of the plant. These leaves tend to be bright green, lending a fresh and vibrant backdrop to the exquisite flowers above. The plant's overall visual appeal is one of simplicity and charm, making it a delightful addition to rock gardens, borders, or as a complement to other flowers in a diverse garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae.
Synonyms
Triplet Lily, Brodiaea, Fool's Onion.
Common names
Triteleia 'Corrina'.
ToxicityTo humans
Triteleia 'Corrina', commonly known as the triplet lily, does not have a well-documented profile regarding its toxicity to humans. Most Triteleia species are not known to be toxic to humans. However, as a general precaution, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants as they can cause adverse reactions in some individuals. Without specific toxicity information for this cultivar, it is best to handle the plant with care and avoid ingestion to prevent potential stomach upset or allergic reactions.
To pets
The triplet lily is not commonly listed as toxic to pets. However, the lack of specific data means that the plant should still be treated with caution around animals. It's always best to prevent pets from ingesting this or any unknown plants, as they might cause gastrointestinal upset or other reactions in some animals. If your pet does consume any part of the plant and you notice signs of distress, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Triteleia 'Corrina', commonly known as Brodiaea or triplet lily, has attractive star-shaped flowers that enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Brodiaea is quite drought-resistant, making it an ideal choice for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: Brodiaea 'Corrina' requires minimal care once it has settled in, making it suitable for novice gardeners or those with limited time.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the Brodiaea attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Container Gardening: Due to its compact size, Brodiaea 'Corrina' can be grown in containers, offering flexibility for those with limited garden space.
- Resistant to Pests: Brodiaea is generally resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Long Blooming Period: Its blooming period extends from late spring to early summer, providing a long display of color when many other plants have yet to flower.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Educational Tool â Triteleia 'Corrina' can be used in educational settings such as schools or botanical gardens to teach students about bulbous plant species and their life cycles.
- Photography Subject â With its attractive blooms, it can be an excellent subject for photography enthusiasts, particularly those interested in capturing the intricate details of flowers.
- Artistic Inspiration â Artists may use the Triteleia 'Corrina' as a subject for paintings, drawings, or even textile designs, inspired by its unique shape and color.
- Floral Arranging â The long stems and star-shaped flowers of Triteleia 'Corrina' make it an interesting addition to cut flower arrangements or bouquets.
- Garden Design â Landscape architects and gardeners can use Triteleia 'Corrina' to add a pop of color to garden borders or rock gardens.
- Bee and Butterfly Attraction â Planting Triteleia 'Corrina' can help attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Companion Planting â The plant can be used in companion planting to complement other garden plants, finding combinations that work well for pest control or growth benefits.
- Seasonal Decoration â Dried Triteleia 'Corrina' flowers can be used for creating seasonal wreaths and garlands for decorating homes or events.
- Color Dye â Though not commonly known for this use, the pigments in Triteleia 'Corrina' may be explored for creating natural dyes for fabrics or crafts.
- Culinary Garnish â While not edible, the flowers can be used as a temporary, decorative garnish for plating in high-end culinary presentations, as long as they are removed before consumption.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Triteleia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Triteleia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Grace and Elegance: Triteleia 'Corrina', also known as Ithuriel's Spear, commonly symbolizes grace and elegance due to its slender, upright form and the delicate shape of its flowers.
- Adaptability: As a plant that thrives in various conditions, Ithuriel's Spear represents adaptability and the ability to flourish in different environments.
- Surprise and Uniqueness: Ithuriel's Spear might also symbolize surprise and uniqueness, deriving from its unexpected and striking blooms that stand out in the wild or garden settings.
WaterThe common name for Triteleia 'Corrina' is Brodiaea, and it should be watered moderately. During the active growth period in spring and early summer, water approximately once a week, making sure to moisten the soil thoroughly with about 1 to 2 gallons depending on the size of the plant, until the excess water drains out. Reduce watering after the flowering period as the plant enters dormancy, and during this time, light watering every two to three weeks is sufficient. It's important to avoid waterlogging, as Brodiaea does not tolerate standing water well.
LightBrodiaea thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. For optimal growth and blooming, place it in a location where it receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Avoid deep shade locations, as insufficient light can result in fewer flowers and weak growth.
TemperatureBrodiaea prefers temperate climates and does best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but for the plant to thrive, avoiding prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing is crucial. The maximum temperature tolerated is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, beyond which the plant may require additional shading and watering.
PruningPruning Brodiaea is mostly limited to removing spent flower stalks after blooming to maintain a neat appearance and prevent self-sowing if not desired. Additionally, once the foliage begins to yellow and die back, usually in late summer, it can be cut back to the ground. Pruning is typically done annually, shortly after the flowering period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBrodiaea 'Corrina' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loamy soil, well-rotted organic compost, and sand is ideal to ensure adequate drainage and fertility. Amend heavy clay soils or very sandy soils as needed to improve structure and nutrient content.
RepottingBrodiaea 'Corrina' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil. Repot in the spring before active growth resumes, being careful not to damage the corms.
Humidity & MistingBrodiaea 'Corrina' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements, making it adaptable to average household humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Brodiaea 'Corrina' in bright, indirect light and with good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant Brodiaea 'Corrina' in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleTriteleia 'Corrina', commonly known as 'Corrina' Brodiaea, is a perennial plant that begins its life cycle as a bulb, which remains dormant through the winter. In spring, with increasing temperatures and moisture, the bulb sprouts, sending up narrow, linear leaves and a stem. The stem soon gives rise to a cluster of star-shaped flowers, most commonly in shades of blue, purple, or white, which typically bloom in late spring to early summer. After the flowering period, the plant sets seed, then the above-ground foliage dies back as the plant enters dormancy, retreating to the bulb form to conserve energy through the hot summer or dry season. Through the fall, the bulb may slowly begin to root and establish underground in preparation for the next growth cycle. With each growing season, the bulb can multiply, forming offsets that lead to the spread and propagation of the plant in its growing site.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Triteleia 'Corrina', also known as the Triplet Lily, is by dividing the corms. This should be carried out in the fall, after the foliage has died back, signaling that the plant is entering its dormant phase. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of corms and gently pull apart the offsets from the main corm. Each offset should have at least one growing point or eye. Replant these corms promptly, placing them about 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 centimeters) deep and spacing them about 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Ensure that the area where they are replanted offers well-draining soil and that the location will receive full sun to partial shade to align with the growing conditions that Triplet Lilies favor.
