PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dappled garden light for gentle growth
Watering
Water deeply when top 2 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent bulb rot
Temperature
Hardy to -15°C; requires cool winter stratification for spring blooming, dormant in summer heat
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow, linear, grass-like basal leaves, 10–25 cm long, dark green
- Flower: Dense terminal raceme with sterile, feathery purple upper florets and fertile, bell-shaped lower florets
- Bulb: Small, ovoid underground bulb, 2–3 cm in diameter
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth period
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed once at shoot emergence. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to support bulb development rather than foliage growth
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells to fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp per bulb in early spring; avoid direct contact with emerging foliagePruning
- Deadhead spent blooms to redirect energy to bulb growth for the following year
- Remove yellowing foliage after it dies back naturally in late spring to prevent pest harborage
- Divide overcrowded bulbs every 3–4 years in autumn to maintain blooming vigor
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects reported
Humans: No known toxicity to humans; safe for handling and consumption in small quantities
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes playful charm and spring renewal in Mediterranean folklore
Usage: Ornamental garden bulb, cut flower for spring bouquets
