Ipheion uniflorum

The genus Ipheion contains only three species of bulbous perennials from Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. It belongs to the daffodil family (Amaryllidaceae), whose members have six equal tepals; six stamens; and a capsule or berry with three seed chambers. The spring starflower (Ipheion uniflorum) originates from temperate regions of northeastern Argentina and Uruguay, and it is the most widely grown species in our gardens. The leaves are flattened and grass-like in appearance, and the pale blue, star-like flowers are borne on stems to 15cm in length, and appear in spring. The leaves and flowers emit a strong garlic aroma when crushed. This is an attractive, early flowering bulb for a sunny, well-drained situation, though it will naturalise readily given the right conditions. There are several selections of this species, including ‘Rolf Fiedler’ which has brighter blue flowers, and the white-flowered ‘Alberto Castillo’.