Overview
Brodiaea elegans is a tufted bulbs in the genus Brodiaea, part of the Asparagaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Brodiaea elegans 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 elegans is a species of flowering plant in the cluster-lily genus known by the common names harvest brodiaea, elegant brodiaea, and elegant cluster-lily. The bulb is native to the mountain ranges of California and Oregon, where it grows in woodlands and meadows. 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. Plant at appropriate depth in well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Brodiaea elegans
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 elegans 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 elegans
- 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 elegans?
Brodiaea elegans prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Brodiaea elegans need?
Brodiaea elegans grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Brodiaea elegans hardy in the UK?
Brodiaea elegans 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 elegans?
Separation of corms when dormant in summer.
More in the Brodiaea genus
- Brodiaea californicaCalifornia brodiaea
- Brodiaea coronarialarge-flowered Californian hyacinth
- Brodiaea leptandra
- Brodiaea terrestrisdwarf brodiaea
- Brodiaea terrestris subsp. terrestris
- Brodiaea californica lavender-flowered