Thelionema caespitosum
tufted blue lily
Overview
Thelionema caespitosum is a tufted, grass-like perennial forming dense clumps 8-18 inches (20-45 cm) tall and 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) wide. The leaves are flat, narrow, and strap-like, 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) long and 0.1-0.3 inch (3-8 mm) wide, blue-green to grey-green, and arranged in two ranks from the base. Branched flowering stems rise above the foliage and carry loose clusters of star-shaped flowers. Each flower is 0.5-0.8 inch (12-20 mm) across, usually pale to mid-blue, occasionally white or pale yellow, with six tepals and yellow anthers. Flowering occurs in spring and early summer, from September to December in the native range. Small capsules follow and split to release black seeds. The clump is evergreen in mild climates and persists for many years, slowly widening from the base. It grows in heathland, grassland, and open forest on a range of soils from sandy to peaty, in conditions from seasonally damp to well-drained. Prolonged waterlogging and deep shade reduce flowering and weaken the clump.
Native Range
Native to south-eastern Australia, occurring in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. It grows in heath, grassland, and open woodland on sandy, loamy, and peaty soils.Suggested Uses
Grown as a clumping accent in rockeries, native and meadow plantings, and low borders. It suits mass planting for a grass-like texture and tolerates coastal exposure. The flowers draw native bees and other small pollinators.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'6"
Width/Spread8" - 1'4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring and early summer, from September to December in the native range and from May to July in Northern Hemisphere cultivation. Branched stems carry star-shaped blue flowers that open a few at a time over three to five weeks. Each flower lasts about a day, opening in the morning.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale to mid-blueFoliage Description
Blue-green to grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Thelionema caespitosum in full sun to part shade in well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 5.0-7.0. It tolerates seasonal dampness and short dry spells once established, but constant waterlogging weakens the clump. Water through the first growing season to settle the roots; after that it needs water only in extended drought. The clump responds to removal of spent flower stems and occasional division of crowded plants in autumn. It withstands frost to about 20 F (-7 C) and grows in coastal and inland gardens.Pruning
Cut spent flowering stems back to the base after seed set to keep the clump tidy. Remove dead outer leaves by hand in late winter before new growth begins. Divide congested clumps every three to four years in autumn to maintain vigor.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons