Description & Interesting Facts about Ipheion:
The flowering plant genus Ipheion belongs to Allioideae, a subfamily of the family Amaryllidaceae. It includes three species native to southern Brazil, north-eastern Argentina, and Uruguay. Today this plant has naturalized in many parts of the world.
Iphion are small bulbous perennials with narrow, lax, grass-like foliage. Leaves appear before the flowers, usually in winter, but opportunistic growth may occur in autumn.
In early spring solitary star-shaped flowers, borne on 15 to 20cm tall stems appear. Each bulb produces multiple flowering stems and the flowers range in colour from pale silvery blue to almost white. The blooms have a mildly spicy, honey-scented fragrance, and the foliage emits an oniony aroma when bruised.
Ipheion uniflorum Image by Pat from PixabayIn the Garden:
These adaptable plants create a lovely display that will brighten any space. In our winter rainfall regions they are great water-wise plants.
They are ideal for covering banks and perfect combined with grasses, in woodland settings, near water features, and in pebble gardens. Spring starflowers are also excellent to naturalise in lawns.
Line walkways and flower borders with them, or plant them underneath dormant winter roses or shrubs. Spring starflowers grow easily in pots and combine well with other spring bloomers.
Cultivation:
When is the best time to plant spring starflowers?
In South Africa the bulbs are planted out from April to May when the soil temperatures have cooled considerably. Active growth occurs during June and July.
When do starflowers flower?
Starflowers bloom from early spring (August to October).
What climate is most suitable for spring starflowers?
The spring starflower thrives in mild, temperate climates.
Are spring starflowers frost hardy?
Although spring starflowers are hardy enough to withstand temperatures as low as -10°C, they do not survive being frozen and are not completely frost-proof, surviving only mild to moderate frosts.
How much sun do spring starflowers require?
Spring starflowers can be grown in full sun or semi-shade. In too much shade they will not flower as profusely.
How much water do spring starflowers require?
In the summer rainfall regions, water thoroughly every three to four days, and in the winter rainfall regions spring starflowers are wonderful water-wise plants.
What soil type do spring starflowers prefer?
Starflowers are adaptable to a wide range of soil types, and grow easily in fertile, well-drained soils.
In containers, plant in peat-free, loam-based compost with added leaf mould and grit.
How to plant spring starflower bulbs
Prepare your beds well before planting the bulbs about 2cm deep and 5cm apart. Provide protective winter mulch in colder areas.
Can spring starflowers be lifted and stored?
Spring starflowers multiply freely from both offsets and seed. The bulbs can be lifted when they are dormant from December to April.
The plants only need to be divided every couple of years, so you can leave them in the garden to multiply if you wish.
How to propagate spring starflowers?
Spring starflowers can be propagated by division in summer, or by seed sown in spring.
Problems, Pests & Diseases:
If grown correctly Spring starflowers are not susceptible to diseases and insect infestations, but watch out for snails and slugs which can devastate your plants if untreated.