Tecophilaea is a genus from Chile in the Tecophilaeaceae family. There are only two species: Tecophilaea cyanocrocus which grows in the Cordillera of Santiago at around 3000m, where it grows on stony slopes kept dry and protected by snow cover in winter and Tecophilaea violiflora growing on the coastal ranges north of Santiago.
Tecophilaea cyanocrocus is known for the bright blue flowers is now believed to be critically endangered in the wild because of over-collecting and grazing by cattle and sheep. They are usually grown in an alpine house or cold glasshouse where they can be protected from extreme cold and excessive wet although they do need adequate moisture during the winter growing period. They should be protected from snails and slugs. Plant in late fall in well drained fertile potting mix 2 inches or 5cm deep. Allow dry summer dormancy. In the San Francisco Bay Area they enjoy full sun and flower in the middle of the growing season.
One, often two flowers are produced per stem in succession. The petals are of an intense vivid gentian blue with a white throat. The flowers are 2 inches across when fully open. Photos 1-2 were taken by Bill Dijk who grows these to perfection in New Zealand and by Lee Poulsen who wrote of his photo (#3) taken March 2004: "They really are this intensely blue. It's a hue I've never seen in any other flower." Photo #4 was taken by Nhu Nguyen shows the habit of the plant growing in a 4 inch pot. Nhu agrees with Lee that it's definitely a most beautiful blue!
Tecophilaea cyanocrocus var. leichtlinii is the same beautiful plant with 2 inch, sky-blue flowers and large white centres. It has broader leaves than T. cyanocrocus. Photos #1-2 were taken by Bill Dijk, #3 was taken by John Lonsdale, and #4 was taken by Nhu Nguyen sowing the habit of the plant growing in a 4" pot.
Tecophilaea cyanocrocus var. violaea is another member of this attractive but rare species, the bright violet blue colour of this form has great charm. Photo #1 by Bill Dijk and #2-3 by John Lonsdale.
Composite photos showing all the flowers together. Photos by Bill Dijk and John Lonsdale.
The first picture from Bill Dijk is of successfully germinated Tecophilaea seedlings after 3 months. The second photo from Mary Sue Ittner shows the corms on a 1 cm. grid.
Tecophilaea violiflora is the other species of Tecophilaea. A much smaller plant and flower, it usually only has a single leaf. It can be grown as you would most other mediterranean climate bulbs. Photo by Osmani Baullosa.
