When does Triteleia laxa bloom?

Triteleia laxa typically blooms from May through July, with clusters of blue-violet flowers appearing on tall, leafless stalks.

How much water does Triteleia laxa need?

This bulb prefers low water once established. It grows during the wetter months and goes dormant in summer, so it does best without regular summer irrigation.

What light conditions does Triteleia laxa prefer?

Full sun is best for strong flowering, though it can tolerate some light afternoon shade in hotter inland areas.

What pollinators visit Triteleia laxa flowers?

Bees and butterflies are common visitors, drawn to the clustered, nectar-rich blooms.

Does Triteleia laxa die back after blooming?

Yes, the foliage and flower stalks die back in summer as the plant enters dormancy, then regrow from the underground corm the following season.

Is Triplet-lily HOA-friendly?

Triplet-lily is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Triplet-lily

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Triteleia laxa

Last reviewed: September 2026

Triteleia laxa produces clusters of blue-violet, funnel-shaped flowers from May through July on slender stalks. It grows well in full sun with low water and goes dormant in summer heat.

Triplet-lily (Triteleia laxa) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Triteleia laxa, commonly known as Triplet-lily or Ithuriel's spear, produces lovely clusters of blue to purple funnel-shaped flowers on slender stems. This native bulb emerges in spring, blooms in early summer, and then goes dormant after flowering. It naturalizes well in meadows or lightly shaded areas.

Growing Triplet-lily

Grow Triplet-lily in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Triplet-lily is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

Foliage dies back completely after blooming
Best planted in groups among other plants that provide coverage during dormancy
May look untidy if not deadheaded after bloom period

Wildlife value

The showy flowers attract native bees and butterflies, providing valuable nectar during late spring and early summer. Beneficial pollinators particularly appreciate these blooms when other nectar sources become scarce.

Common questions

When does Triteleia laxa bloom?: Triteleia laxa typically blooms from May through July, with clusters of blue-violet flowers appearing on tall, leafless stalks.
How much water does Triteleia laxa need?: This bulb prefers low water once established. It grows during the wetter months and goes dormant in summer, so it does best without regular summer irrigation.
What light conditions does Triteleia laxa prefer?: Full sun is best for strong flowering, though it can tolerate some light afternoon shade in hotter inland areas.
What pollinators visit Triteleia laxa flowers?: Bees and butterflies are common visitors, drawn to the clustered, nectar-rich blooms.
Does Triteleia laxa die back after blooming?: Yes, the foliage and flower stalks die back in summer as the plant enters dormancy, then regrow from the underground corm the following season.
Is Triplet-lily toxic to dogs?: Triplet-lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Triplet-lily toxic to cats?: Triplet-lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Triplet-lily HOA-friendly?: Triplet-lily is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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