Triteleia, also known as tripletlilies for the characteristic arrangement of their parts in threes (petals, leaves etc.), are flowers that can be found in many western regions of North and Central America. They grow in abundance in the state of California, which has relatively few fluctuations in temperature and a warm climate that offer optimum conditions for the development of these perennial plants.
However, this genus of flower is more popular abroad than in its native habitat. Given its limited location in the Americas, several plant lovers in European countries see the Triteleia as an exotic flower. It has only recently become recognized in its home as a versatile and quite attractive flower that can easily be grown given the right conditions.
It is important to note that some of the flower species that fall under the genus Triteleia were previously under the genus Brodiaea; consequently many of the Brodiaea have been incorporated under the Tripletlily genus, which at presently has between 15 and 20 species. Internal differences exist among these species, further broadening the variation shown by this genus.
Planting and tending to these flowers is far from difficult in the right conditions. Important factors to take into consideration when caring for Triteleia include the drainage capacity and content of the soil, light intensity and temperature. Make sure that the soil is properly drained (there should be no puddles remaining after 5 to 6 hours of a heavy rain), and if not, add more compost or other organic growing substance to raise the level of the ground in that area. Triteleia are perennial and grow well in high light intensity, so make sure to give the plants plenty of sunshine.
Gardeners recommend that each Triteleia corm be planted 5 inches below the ground and 4 inches from each other to ensure optimum space and growing arrangements. They can be planted a little closer together if containers are used. Water the corms generously and allow them to germinate, but be careful not to waterlog the soil after they start growing. Cut flowers can last 7 to 10 days in water.
Below are a few well-endowed species of Triteleia that you may want to consider adding to your garden:
However, this genus of flower is more popular abroad than in its native habitat. Given its limited location in the Americas, several plant lovers in European countries see the Triteleia as an exotic flower. It has only recently become recognized in its home as a versatile and quite attractive flower that can easily be grown given the right conditions.
It is important to note that some of the flower species that fall under the genus Triteleia were previously under the genus Brodiaea; consequently many of the Brodiaea have been incorporated under the Tripletlily genus, which at presently has between 15 and 20 species. Internal differences exist among these species, further broadening the variation shown by this genus.
Planting and tending to these flowers is far from difficult in the right conditions. Important factors to take into consideration when caring for Triteleia include the drainage capacity and content of the soil, light intensity and temperature. Make sure that the soil is properly drained (there should be no puddles remaining after 5 to 6 hours of a heavy rain), and if not, add more compost or other organic growing substance to raise the level of the ground in that area. Triteleia are perennial and grow well in high light intensity, so make sure to give the plants plenty of sunshine.
Gardeners recommend that each Triteleia corm be planted 5 inches below the ground and 4 inches from each other to ensure optimum space and growing arrangements. They can be planted a little closer together if containers are used. Water the corms generously and allow them to germinate, but be careful not to waterlog the soil after they start growing. Cut flowers can last 7 to 10 days in water.
Below are a few well-endowed species of Triteleia that you may want to consider adding to your garden:
 | Triteleia clementina This species is endemic to San Clemente Island in Southern California and is therefore considered quite rare. It grows in rocky cliffs and blooms from approximately February to April. Each individual flower is less that one inch in diameter. |
 | Triteleia crocea Also called Yellow Triteleia, this species has vibrant flowers that bloom from May to June in the coniferous forests of the western states. The other subspecies of the flower is pale blue in colour. |
 | Triteleia grandiflora This species is distinctive from the others of this genus due to it cup-shaped base that many flowers sprout from. Flowers vary from a very pale blue to a darker blue and are more common in North America |
 | Triteleia hyacynthina This plant is found in areas with seasonal rains in the spring. Two subspecies exist – one is short with very small pale blue flowers while the other is tough and tall with larger flowers. They bloom in June and give off a pleasant aroma. |
 | Triteleia laxa This species is found in a range of locations and is therefore very resilient and versatile. Several interesting variations exist within the species to give a range of colours and forms. |