Ipheion uniflorum Tessa

The Ipheion uniflorum 'Tessa' is a charming bulb with large spring flowers, in pink star shapes. Its narrow foliage, with a slight garlic scent, appears in autumn, then disappears after flowering to pass the summer without any problems. Hardy and easy to naturalize, it will only require well-drained and warm soil. It will work wonders in rock gardens, on the edge of woodlands, and on slopes.

The Ipheion uniflorum, also sometimes known as Tristagma unflora, is a bulbous plant native to dry and rocky meadows in Argentina. Botanists have recently classified it in the Amaryllidaceae family, which also includes garlic, snowdrops, daffodils, and agapanthus.

Between February and May depending on the region, the 'Tessa' ipheion produces large pale pink star-shaped flowers with darker central veins, perched solitary on stems about 15 cm (6in) high. They give off a subtle honey fragrance. In mild enough climates, the ipheion can even flower during winter. The bluish-green foliage, narrow and elongated, resembles a grass and emits a slight garlic scent when crushed. It appears in autumn and disappears once flowering is finished to enter dormancy. Thus, the plant easily withstands the heat and dryness of summer.

Despite its South American origins, the ipheion or spring star is very hardy, as long as the soil is perfectly drained; if the bulb remains moist during winter, there is a high risk of rotting. Any sandy and rocky substrate, not too poor, will suit it perfectly, but it particularly appreciates hot and dry climates. It should be noted that in areas heavily invaded by voles, its longevity can be quite low. Its wild and simple nature allows it to find a place in sunny beds (it also tolerates light shade), in rock gardens, or to vegetate maintenance-free slopes in addition to a ground cover like sedums. Once established, the ipheion multiplies very easily and quickly through its numerous bulblets. Associated with daffodils, grape hyacinths, or even Iris bucharica, the 'Tessa' ipheion will form over the years a beautiful spring carpet, constantly renewing with vibrant colours.