Triteleia ‘Aquarius’, also known as Blue Triteleia, is a captivating bulbous perennial that brings a vibrant splash of blue to garden landscapes. This ornamental plant is valued for its unique appearance and its ability to fill gaps as other spring blooms fade. Its distinctive flowers and relatively low maintenance make it a desirable addition for many gardeners.
Identifying Triteleia ‘Aquarius’
Triteleia ‘Aquarius’ is recognized by its deep blue, double, star-shaped flowers, about 1 inch across. These individual flowers are clustered in umbels, with each stem bearing up to 25 blooms. The flowering period occurs from late spring to early summer, providing color when many other spring flowers are finishing. The plant reaches 16 to 20 inches (40-50 cm) tall. Its narrow, gray-green, grass-like basal leaves often recede or die back as the flowers emerge.
Planting and Site Selection
Successful growth of Triteleia ‘Aquarius’ begins with proper site selection and planting. This plant thrives in full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade. Well-draining soil is important; it can tolerate acidic, clay, loamy, or sandy soils as long as drainage is good, which is particularly important to prevent waterlogging, especially during dormancy. Bulbs should be planted in the fall, approximately 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost, to allow for root development. Plant the bulbs 3-5 inches (8-12 cm) deep and space them 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) apart for optimal growth.
Ongoing Care for Healthy Growth
Once established, Triteleia ‘Aquarius’ requires little ongoing maintenance. It has low water needs, but benefits from consistent moisture during its growing season from spring to early summer. During its summer dormancy, the soil should be kept dry. Fertilization is recommended once per year in the spring. The plant is known for being generally pest and disease-free. In colder regions, plant in a protected site and apply mulch in winter for added protection.
Integrating Triteleia ‘Aquarius’ in Your Garden
Triteleia ‘Aquarius’ offers versatility in garden design due to its distinctive appearance and compact size. It is well-suited for borders, rock gardens, or naturalized areas. It can also be grown in containers. Triteleia ‘Aquarius’ is valued as a cut flower, with blooms that can last for several days in a vase. Its deer resistance is an additional benefit.