Description
Ipheion – Spring Starflower –
There are about 10 species of small, bulbous perennials in this genus. They occur from upland meadows and rocky sites in Argentina. They are grown for their star shaped, usually strongly honey scented flowers, borne in spring, singly or in pairs. Most other parts smell of onions when crushed. The grass-like, basal leaves are linear-strap shaped. They are useful in a rock garden and for underplanting herbaceous plants such as Peonies or Hostas.
They are easily grown in moderately fertile, humus rich, moist but well drained soil in full sun. Provide a protective mulch in winter where temperatures regularly fall below 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant bulbs 3″ deep in autumn. Shelter in dappled shade.
Prone to slugs and snails.
I. uniflorum – Tristagma uniflorum – Triteleleia uniflora – Brodiaea uniflora – This vigorous, clump forming, bulbous perennial from Argentina and Uruguay grows 6-8″ tall. In late autumn it produces semi erect, narrowly strap shaped, light blue-green leaves, to 10″ long. Flowers are solitary, upward facing, star shaped, scented, pale silvery blue, 1 ½” across, frequently with darker mid ribs, borne from late winter to spring.
Zones 5-9
