About
A perennial bulb to 15cm, with grassy light green, onion-scented foliage and honey-scented, deep violet, star-shaped flowers 3-4cm in width, solitary on erect stems.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate 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
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame when ripe or divide in summer when dormant
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free