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Summary

Physical Characteristics

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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

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

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Bulb[161, 257]. No more details are given, but the bulbs of the closely related B. crocea can be eaten raw at any time of the year[K].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a well-drained rich sandy loam and a warm position[1, 138]. Likes plenty of moisture when in growth[200], but plants should be kept quite dry from when the foliage dies down until the autumn[138]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. This species is probably no more than a part of B. crocea[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

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[134]. 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[134] before planting them out in the autumn when they are dormant. Division of flowering size offsets in the autumn. They are freely produced[200]. 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.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (California)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Bloomeria crocea	Golden Stars, Common goldenstar	Bulb	0.3	7-10		LM	N	M	1	0	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Bloomeria aurea - Kellogg.