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Tritonias are similar to freesias, crocosmias and ixias but have taller stems, about 2 feet tall, and naturalize more effectively. These South African natives, commonly called Blazing Stars, grow from corms, producing strap-like leaves and wiry stems that hold an abundance of colorful blooms.
This genus has several species with most being mid-late spring bloomers. They are extremely tolerant, well suited to just about every climate and soil condition. They occur in a variety of habitats but seem to be happier in drier climates.
The corms should be planted in well-drained soil during fall with the pointed end facing upward and about 2-4 inches deep. Tritonia thrives easily in either full sun or partial shade. Water generously once planted but not on a regular basis. Do not water again until flowering stops and foliage fades. The corms require a dry period while in dormancy. Protect them during winter with a deep layer of mulch, especially in cold climates.
Tritonias make an excellent choice for containers located on porches or patios. Choose one color for all the pots or mix them up. With an assortment of colors to choose from such as red, orange, yellow, pink, or white, you have plenty of options.
It also makes a great plant for cutting. Tritonia is also ideal for beds and borders as well as rock gardens. Overall, this undemanding plant will be happy most anywhere you place it.
Tritonia can be easily propagated by division of its corms in fall, and it also germinates freely by seed.
T. crocata is one of the most commonly grown species. It has orange to reddish flowers, without prominent veins and blooms in late spring.
T. deusta is a species with orange flowers and a yellow star-shaped center.
T. disticha has sword-shaped leaves and bright red, orange, yellow or pink flowers that bloom summer into early fall.
T. dubia has pink to orange flowers with dark veins and blooms in early spring.
T. flabellifolia blooms in late spring or early summer. This species has cream flowers with red streaks stripes.
T. squalida has pink to nearly white flowers with deeper pink veins.
T. pallida is a species with cream or white, occasionally pale lilac flowers with a yellow-green ridge.
T. lineata has creamy white or pale yellow funnel-shaped flowers with dark veins.
T. karooica is spring flowering with yellow blooms flushed with orange.
T. bakeri has creamy yellow or mauve-pink flowers, blooming in late-winter.
T. securigera is notable for its prolific light orange blossoms that occur over several weeks.