Golden Stars, Common goldenstar
Bloomeria aurea

Family: Alliaceae

What it is like

Bloomeria aurea is a BULB growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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): 0.5

Where it is found

Dry flats and hillsides, often in heavy soils and especially in foothill woods, to 1500 metres. in California.

South-western N. America - California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Bulb. No more details are given, but the bulbs of the closely related B. crocea can be eaten raw at any time of the year.

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

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained rich sandy loam and a warm position. Likes plenty of moisture when in growth, but plants should be kept quite dry from when the foliage dies down until the autumn. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. This species is probably no more than a part of B. crocea.

Propagating it: Seed - sow as soon as it is ripe or February/March in a well-drained compost in the greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 15°c. Sow the seed thinly so that it can be grown on in the pot without disturbance for the first year, but apply an occasional liquid feed to ensure the plants do not become nutrient deficient. Pot up the small bulbs when they are dormant, putting 2 - 3 bulbs in each pot, and grow them on in a cold frame for another 2 years before planting them out in the autumn when they are dormant. Division of flowering size offsets in the autumn. They are freely produced. The larger bulbs can be planted straight out into their permanent positions if required, whilst it is best to pot up the smaller bulbs and grow them on for a year in a cold frame before planting them out in the autumn.

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

B. crocea aurea. (Kell.)Ingram. Nothoscordum aurea.