Ipheion uniflorum Rolf Fiedler

The 'Ipheion 'Rolf Fiedler' is a small bulbous plant very similar to the Ipheion uniflorum, but it distinguishes itself with its wider flowers, with rounder petals and a very bright cobalt blue colour. Its magnificent round star-shaped flowering occurs from late winter to spring. Like all Ipheions, it develops deciduous grass-like foliage in autumn, which releases an allium-like fragrance when crushed. Hardy and easy to grow in any well-drained soil, it rests in summer, indifferent to heat and drought. It naturalizes easily on slopes, in rock gardens or borders, and grows very well in pots.

The Ipheion uniflorum or Tristagma uniflora is a small bulbous plant with a very simple appearance, native to South America (specifically the meadows and rocky areas of Argentina). It is classified in the lily family, like garlic and onion, among others. The cultivar 'Rolf Fiedler' seems to originate from the sunny coastal hills of Uruguay. 'Rolf Fiedler' differs from Ipheion uniflorum in the size of its flowers, which are 3 cm (1in) wide, the roundness of its petals, and their bright blue color reminiscent of the creeping plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides).

The bulb produces a tuft of linear, pale blue-green leaves, standing upright, measuring 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) in height when in bloom. They will completely disappear in summer. In late winter (February-March), solitary flowers emerge, facing upwards. They take the shape of stars and are composed of 6 narrow petals. In cold climates, its long flowering period starts at the same time as the first crocuses, with the peak occurring during the months of March and April, ending in May with the arrival of summer heat. In mild climates, the flowering period extends from December to May. Very hardy in well-drained soil, this plant requires relatively dry and warm summers, and humid winters. It multiplies very rapidly through the production of numerous bulblets.

The 'Ipheion 'Rolf Fiedler' pairs well with Muscari armeniacum or Zephiranthes candida, for example, two other small bulbs that are just as easy to grow. It can also be planted under deciduous shrubs, accompanied by perennials to stagger the flowering. It spreads in borders, rock gardens, at the front of flower beds, along well-exposed walls, or even in pots. Pick the flowers as soon as they bloom if you want to make bouquets. Ipheion is also an excellent ground cover, sometimes becoming invasive.