About
A group of half-hardy cormous perennials, to around 10cm high, with narrowly lance-shaped green leaves. Slender stems bear perfumed, crocus-like white flowers in spring, with pale violet-blue tips to the petals and fine purple markings in the throat.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-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 usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel 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. This species benefits from a dry summer dormancy, so is best grown in a bulb frame or alpine house. 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