PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires 6+ hours of direct sunlight for optimal blooming; tolerates partial shade in hot summer regions
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent bulb rot
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; requires 8–12 weeks of cold stratification for spring blooming; avoid prolonged temperatures above 25°C during summer dormancy
Characteristics
- Leaf: Linear, grey-green basal leaves up to 20 cm long, slightly fleshy
- Flower: Star-shaped golden yellow blooms, fragrant, opening in direct sunlight
- Bulb: Small ovoid bulb with thin brown papery tunic
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; reduce watering after blooms fade
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced fertilizer once when shoots emerge. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote bulb development rather than leafy growth
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface in early spring; avoid direct contact with emerging shootsPruning
- Remove spent flower heads to prevent seed formation and conserve bulb energy
- Allow foliage to die back naturally before trimming to nourish the bulb for next year's bloom
- Thin overcrowded bulbs every 3–4 years in autumn to maintain blooming vigor
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; bulb ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and abdominal pain
Humans: Bulbs contain alkaloids; ingestion causes mild mouth irritation, nausea, or vomiting
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental wildflower, rock garden plant, naturalized meadow species
