Bloomeria

Golden Stars is a genus of small, flowering, bulbous, perennial herb with three species (crocea, clevelandii, and humilis), all of them native to California and the Baha Peninsular. Clevelandii is a rare plant usually only found in the San Diego area, humilis is a dwarf variety, and crocea is the more common variety.  In nature, the plants are typically found in dry flats, hillsides, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, valley grasslands, and oak woodlands, often in heavy soil. The genus is named after Hiram Green Bloomer, an early San Francisco botanist.

Golden Stars grow best in well-drained, moist, sandy or loamy soil and full to part sun, although the plant does not tolerate full shade. It does require consistent moisture during the growth season, but when the foliage dies down in the fall, it should be kept dry. Golden Stars produce corms, which can be harvested to propagate plants the following year. To grow from the corms, store in a cool, dry space until spring. Plant by covering the corm in 3 inches of soil. Golden Stars are not cold hardy and will be injured at temperatures below 25 degrees F (-4 degrees C).

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests.