About

A deciduous perennial to 20cm tall, with narrow light green leaves and white flowers 4cm wide, each petal with a faint green central stripe, flowering in late winter and spring.

About the genus

Ipheion are small bulbous perennials with onion-scented, narrowly strap-shaped leaves and sweet-scented star-shaped flowers in late winter and spring

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeBulbs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
FragranceFlower, Foliage

Care notes

CultivationPlant 8cm deep in autumn in moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil that does not dry out. Provide protective winter mulch in colder areas. In containers best grown in peat-free, loam-based compost with added leaf mould and grit. Under glass grow in bright filtered light
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame when ripe (cultivars may not come true from seed) or by division in summer when dormant
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free