Overview
Brodiaea californica is a tufted bulbs in the genus Brodiaea, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Brodiaea californica grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, mediterranean climate plants, patio and container plants, rock garden, wildlife gardens, low maintenance, cut flowers, flower borders and beds, wall side borders and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Brodiaea californica, with the common name California brodiaea, is a species of plant in the genus Brodiaea. The perennial plant, growing from a bulb, is native to California and Oregon. Brodiaea californica is the largest species in the genus Brodiaea, reaching up to 30 in (76 cm) in height when in flower. The flowers, which are borne in late spring or early summer, are variable in colour, ranging from purple to white or occasionally pink. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, mediterranean climate plants, patio and container plants, rock garden, wildlife gardens, low maintenance, cut flowers, flower borders and beds, wall side borders and conservatory and greenhouse. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Brodiaea californica
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Brodiaea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Brodiaea californica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Brodiaea californica
- Propagation
- Separation of corms when dormant in summer
- Pest resistance
- Yes
- Disease resistance
- Yes
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Brodiaea californica?
Brodiaea californica prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Brodiaea californica need?
Brodiaea californica grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Brodiaea californica hardy in the UK?
Brodiaea californica has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Brodiaea californica?
Separation of corms when dormant in summer.
More in the Brodiaea genus
- Brodiaea coronarialarge-flowered Californian hyacinth
- Brodiaea eleganselegant cluster-lily
- Brodiaea leptandra
- Brodiaea terrestrisdwarf brodiaea
- Brodiaea terrestris subsp. terrestris
- Brodiaea californica lavender-flowered