Ipheion uniflorum Wisley Blue

The Ipheion uniflorum Wisley Blue is the most well-known variety of Ipheion, a small bulbous plant with star-shaped flowers in a delicate shade of lilac-blue, which are brightly coloured and delicately scented. It truly lives up to its name of spring star. They bloom from March to May on a light green-blue carpet reminiscent of coarse grass. This small, seemingly simple bulbous plant is prolific, undemanding, and goes dormant in summer, only to awaken with the return of September-October rains, sometimes producing more flowers in autumn. The clumps triple in size each year, and the flowering becomes increasingly spectacular in all exposures.

The Ipheion uniflorum or Tristagma uniflora is a small, seemingly simple bulbous plant native to South America (specifically the meadows and rocky areas of Argentina). It is classified in the lily family, along with garlic and onions, among others. The 'Wisley Blue' cultivar is a fairly old selection, awarded in England, widely cultivated in gardens for its pretty stars that combine different shades of light blue, appearing brighter in the sun and paler in the shade. The bulb produces a clump of linear, pale blue-green leaves, with an upright habit and a height of 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) when in flower. They will completely disappear in summer.

In late winter (February-March), solitary flowers emerge, with a honey-like scent, measuring 2 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, blue in colour, lighter in the center, with a black heart contrasting with yellow stamens. They are directed upwards and take the form of stars, composed of 6 narrow petals. In cold climates, its long flowering begins at the same time as the first crocuses, reaching its peak in March and April, and ending in May with the arrival of summer heat. In mild climates, the flowering period spans from December to May. Very hardy in well-drained soil, this plant needs dry and warm summers. It multiplies very rapidly through the production of numerous bulblets.

The 'Wisley Blue' Ipheion pairs well with the Muscari armeniacum, Sternbergia lutea, or Zephiranthes candida, for example, two other equally easy-to-grow small bulbous plants. It can also be planted under deciduous shrubs, accompanied by perennials or narcissus bulbs to create a layered effect. It spreads in borders, rocky areas, at the front of flower beds, along well-exposed walls, or even in pots. If you wish to make bouquets, pick the flowers as soon as they open. Ipheion is also an excellent ground cover, in all exposures, sometimes becoming invasive.