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Genus Ipheion

Ipheion Ipheion uniflorum Photo/Illustration: John Glover
The genus Ipheion is comprised of 10 South American species of small, bulbous perennials with starry, honey-scented flowers in spring. Strangely, other parts of the plants smell like onions, but only when crushed. Leaves are grass-like. Use Ipheion in a rock garden, as underplanting for herbaceous plants, or in a cold greenhouse where not hardy.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Strongly scented flowers.
 Care: Plant bulbs in autumn in a site with full sun and humusy, moist but well-drained soil. Indoors, provide bright filtered or indirect light.
 Propagation: Plants can be divided when they are dormant in summer, or started from seed in a cold frame when ripe or in spring.
 Problems: Slugs and snails may damage plants.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Ipheion

Ipheion uniflorum Ipheion uniflorum
(Spring starflower) (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Star-shaped, honey-scented, pale silvery blue flowers are borne in spring for several weeks. The leaves, to 10 inches long, are semi-erect, strap-shaped, and silver-green.