Ipheion uniflorum
spring starflower
Has flower stems 15-20cm, bearing pale silvery blue or whitish flowers in spring. Lax green leaves appear before flowers, usually in winter, but opportunistic growth may occur in autumn. Several named colour selections are available
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Ipheion are small bulbous perennials with onion-scented, narrowly strap-shaped leaves and sweet-scented star-shaped flowers in late winter and spring
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Argentina to Uruguay
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant 8cm deep in autumn in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil that does not dry out. Provide protective winter mulch in colder areas. In containers best grown in loam based compost such as John Innes No. 2 with added leafmould and grit. Under glass grow in bright filtered light
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in spring. Propagate by division in summer when dormant
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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