Gagea villosa
Gagea villosa · Liliaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant gagea villosa: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Type
- Perennial bulbous plant
- Flowering
- Spring (March to April)
- Adult height
- 10 to 20 cm
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Mediterranean regions and Central Asia
Care
Exposure
Gagea prefers a sunny to semi-shaded location. It adapts well to bright spots that receive at least a few hours of direct sunlight daily. This exposure promotes more abundant and vigorous flowering.
Soil
This bulbous plant appreciates well-drained, light and rather dry soil. It tolerates poor and rocky soils, as well as chalky terrain. Avoid stagnant moisture which could rot the bulbs.
Watering
During the growing period (autumn and spring), keep the soil slightly moist. Once flowering ends and foliage yellows, gradually reduce watering then stop during summer. In natural conditions, the bulbs require practically no maintenance.
Fertilizer
Enrich the soil with compost or balanced fertilizer when planting bulbs in autumn. A single annual fertilization is more than sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which would favor foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and cleanup
No pruning is necessary. Simply let the foliage yellow and die back naturally after flowering: this allows the bulbs to rebuild their reserves. You can remove dead stems and leaves once they are completely dried out.
Diseases and pests
Gagea is rarely subject to disease if soil drainage is correct. In case of excessive moisture, bulb rot may appear. Ensure good aeration and absence of stagnant water. No specific pests are reported on this species.
Did you know?
Gagea is a tiny bulbous plant often overlooked in wild meadows, though it has flourished in Europe since time immemorial. Its genus name 'Gagea' pays homage to Ernst Heinrich Friedrich Meyer, a nineteenth-century German botanist, while the epithet 'villosa' means hairy, referring to the fine hairs covering certain flower organs.
Where to buy it
Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring flowering. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from September to November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Tulipa hybrTulipa hybr
- Fritillaria raddeanaFritillaria raddeana
- Gagea luteaGagea lutea
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.