About
A cormous perennial to 10cm in height, with narrow greyish-green leaves and slender stems bearing solitary, erect, intense blue, white-centred, crocus-like flowers 3-4cm in width.
About the genus
Tecophilaea are cormous herbaceous perennials with linear-lance-shaped basal leaves and 1-2 funnel-shaped, vivid blue or violet, often white-throated flowers in spring
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Bulbs
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toChile
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, sandy soil in full sun; protect from frost. Or grow in a pot in an alpine house: plant 5cm deep in a mix of equal parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost and sharp sand; water in growing season but reduce watering as the leaves die down in summer
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by removing offsets in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free