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 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 summer dormancy.
One, often two flowers are produced per stem, of intense vivid gentian blue with a white throat. The flowers are 2 inches across when fully open. Photos by Bill Dijk who grows these to perfection in New Zealand and by Lee Poulsen who wrote of his photo taken March 2004: "They really are this intensely blue. It's a hue I've never seen in any other flower."
Tecophilaea cyanocrocus var. leichtlinii: the same beautiful plant with 2 inch. sky-blue flowers and large white centres. Photos by Bill Dijk and John Lonsdale.
Tecophilaea cyanocrocus var. violaea: another member of this attractive but rare species, the bright violet blue colour of this form has great charm. Photo by Bill Dijk and John Lonsdale.
Composite photos showing all the flowers together. Photos by Bill Dijk and John Lonsdale.
A picture of successfully germinated Tecophilaea seedlings after 3 months. Photo by Bill Dijk.
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.
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