Ipheion uniflorum – The Spring Star Flower
Very easy to grow, with masses of mauve flowers in spring, Ipheion uniflorum (syn. Tristagma uniform) is commonly called The Spring Star Flower.
Long flowering with soft lavender blue flowers from late winter through to late spring. This is one of the best easy care bulbs to create a carpet of flowers beneath deciduous trees and shrubs.
These tiny treasures grow well in any well drained soil and in full sun. They are summer dormant and will only require watering during a very dry winter and spring.
Foliage begins to appear as early as late autumn, best described as strap like. These bulbs are related to Alliums, and they do multiply freely.They spread by offsets as well as underground stolens, so they will wander around the garden.
For us, grow them in a container where in spring the masses of blue flowers will form a carpet over the whole container for weeks.
How to Grow Ipheion uniflorum
Position and Soil
- Choose a position in full sun to light shade; flowering is best with plenty of light through winter and spring.
- Use well-drained soil; sandy or loamy soils are ideal.
- In heavy or clay soil, mix in grit and/or organic matter to improve drainage and prevent bulbs sitting in water.
Planting Time and Depth
- Plant bulbs in autumn so they have time to establish roots before winter (around September–November in most climates).
- Place bulbs pointy side up, 5–8 cm deep.
- Space 5–10 cm apart; for a naturalised effect, plant in groups or drifts rather than single, evenly spaced bulbs.
Watering and General Care
- Water lightly after planting to settle the soil around the bulbs.
- During the growing season (autumn to spring), water only when the soil becomes dry; Ipheion dislikes constantly wet conditions.
- A light application of a balanced fertiliser in active growth is optional but can support strong flowering.
- In summer, bulbs are dormant, so no watering or special care is needed.
Growing in Pots and Containers
These are an easy plant to grow in pots, use them to underplant small shrubs, or just for a mass display in spring.
- Use a free-draining potting mix, such as a blend of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or grit.
- Always choose containers with drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.
- Close planting works well in pots; group around 8–12 bulbs to create a dense “flower carpet” in spring.
- Allow pots to dry off in summer dormancy, then resume watering in autumn as new shoots appear.
Propagation
- Bulbs multiply naturally over time via offsets and short underground stolons, gradually forming larger clumps.
- If clumps become congested (usually every 3–5 years), lift and divide bulbs during dormancy in late summer.
Ipheion Varieties
A few varieties are available including
- ‘Wisley Blue’ – This is a longer flowering form than the species.
- ‘Rolf Fielder’ – A dwarf form, and one of the nicest varieties to grow in a container. A better blue than others in the eyes of many gardeners.
Summary Information
- Height – To 10cm for the species, around 5cm for Rolf Fielder.
- Spread – Will form a clump over time.
- Planting depth – 5cm deep
- Flowering period – This will depend on position and climate. Generally from late winter through spring.
- Availability – Generally sold in autumn.
Ipheion uniflorum are avaialable for sale from the following nurseries
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au