Fool's Onion Brodiaea

Brodiaea is a family of herbaceous perennials that are grown from bulbs or tubers and include about 17 species. Over time, this family has been classified and reclassified under several other families, including Dichelostemma and Triteleia, to the point where Brodiaea is sometimes used as a common name for all three.

The plant grows to about 20 inches high and displays grass-like foliage and bare stems holding a number of blue to purple flowers. In general, the plant prefers full sun, but tolerates up to 25% shade during any given day. It grows best in well-drained soil in full sun. It will tolerate partial sun, but flowering will be limited in shade. It tolerates moist soil and drought, is happy with moist soil in the spring and winter and relative dryness in the summer, and the flowers are fragrant and make good cut flowers. The plant is not particularly cold hardy, incurring injury at temperatures below 23 degrees F. and would appreciate about 2 inches of mulch over the winter.

To plant from seed, sow 1/4 inch deep and thin to 3 to 5 seedlings. Note that when planted from seed, do not expect flowers for 2 to 3 years. The most common method to propagate the plant is with bulbs. To grow from bulbs, dig mature corms in the fall and divide, store the corms in a dry space at 70 to 77 degrees F. Plant the corms in the spring, 5 inches deep and space about 3 to 4 inches apart.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:  No known issues.  The NC State Extension Publications list includes a factsheet on the Narcissus Bulb Fly which is known to frequent this plant.