Overview
Ipheion is a columnar upright bulbs in the genus Ipheion, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ipheion grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, mediterranean climate plants and city and courtyard gardens.
About
Ipheion, commonly known as starflower, is a genus of compact bulbous perennials in the Amaryllidaceae family. These plants have narrow, strap-like leaves that emit an onion aroma and produce fragrant, star-shaped flowers in late winter and spring. They grow with a columnar upright habit and are deciduous. Ipheion thrives in full sun with a west or south-facing aspect, preferring sheltered locations and moist but well-drained loam soils of any pH. Hardy to UK zone H5, they suit cottage gardens, rockeries, patios, and city courtyards, and can be propagated by seed or division.
About the genus
The flowering plant genus Ipheion belongs to Allioideae, a subfamily of the family Amaryllidaceae. It includes three species native to southern Brazil, northeastern Argentina, and Uruguay.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ipheion", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ipheion
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ipheion
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Ipheion size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ipheion
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in spring. Propagate by division in summer when dormant
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ipheion?
Ipheion prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ipheion need?
Ipheion grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Ipheion hardy in the UK?
Ipheion has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Ipheion?
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or in spring. Propagate by division in summer when dormant.