Overview
Sternbergia colchiciflora is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Sternbergia, part of the Amaryllidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Sternbergia colchiciflora grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, rock garden, mediterranean climate plants and flower borders and beds.
About
Sternbergia colchiciflora, known as Turkish starflower, is a clump-forming cultivar of the Sternbergia genus, which comprises bulb-forming perennials with narrow, strap-like basal leaves. This deciduous plant produces single, crocus-like flowers on leafless stems, typically in spring and summer. It thrives in full sun with a sheltered aspect, favouring well-drained soils of various types and pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H4, it suits cottage and informal gardens, rock gardens, Mediterranean-style planting, and flower borders.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sternbergia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Sternbergia colchiciflora size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sternbergia colchiciflora
- Propagation
- Seed, offsets
- Pest resistance
- Narcissus bulb flies, narcissus eelworms
- Disease resistance
- Daffodil viruses
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Sternbergia colchiciflora?
Sternbergia colchiciflora prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Sternbergia colchiciflora need?
Sternbergia colchiciflora is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Sternbergia colchiciflora hardy in the UK?
Sternbergia colchiciflora has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Sternbergia colchiciflora?
Seed, offsets.
More in the Sternbergia genus
- Sternbergia greuteriana
- Sternbergia lutea from Bisceglie, Italy
- Sternbergia lutea from Dodona, Greecewinter daffodil from Dodona, Greece
- Sternbergia lutea var. lutea
- Sternbergia sicula from Italy