Mountain Triteleia (Triteleia montana)

Mountain Triteleia

Triteleia montana

Delicate star-shaped blooms glow like mountain twilight. Bulbous perennial wildflower; common name: Mountain Triteleia.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open mountain meadows with direct morning sun and afternoon shade in warmer regions
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Watering Water regularly during active growth; reduce watering completely after foliage dies back to support summer dormancy
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Temperature Hardy to -10°C; tolerates cool mountain summers and avoids extreme heat above 28°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, linear basal leaves up to 30 cm long, withering before flowering
  • Flower: Clustered umbels of star-shaped pale blue to lavender blooms, 1–2 cm across
  • Bulb: Small ovoid underground bulb with a fibrous protective tunic
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth and flowering periods

Fertilization

Apply diluted balanced liquid feed once when foliage emerges. Use low-nitrogen feed to promote bulb development rather than foliage growth

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells to a fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface in early spring, avoiding direct contact with bulbs to prevent irritation
Pruning
  • Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to conserve bulb energy and prevent self-seeding
  • Trim yellowed foliage only after it has fully died back naturally to allow nutrient transfer to the bulb
  • Thin overcrowded clumps every 3–4 years in early fall to improve air circulation and bulb vigor
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats

Humans: No documented toxicity to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental wildflower for native plant gardens and pollinator habitats