Blue Funnel Lily
Androstephium caeruleum

Family: Alliaceae

What it is like

Androstephium caeruleum is a BULB growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Prairies and grassy slopes, frequently in rocky areas at elevations of 100 - 800 metres.

Southern N. America - Kansas to Texas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Bulb. No more details are given, but the bulb is rather small, usually less than 25mm in diameter.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a very well-drained rich sandy loam and a sunny position. When the bulbs are planted about 15cm deep, they are generally hardy in Britain. Another report says that plants are hardy to -10°c or more if the drainage is perfect. This species is sometimes included in the genus Bessera.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a frame or greenhouse until large enough to go outdoors. Plant out whilst the plants are dormant in the autumn. Division of offsets when the plant is dormant in late summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Bulb

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. violaceum. Bessera caeruleum.