April Plant of the Month
I remember planting these bulbs in a garden several years ago, so I was pleased to see them doing well in what is a tricky location – tucked in next to a wisteria at the base of a house wall. It’s also south facing, so hot and dry. Free draining soil is exactly what Ipheion like.
Ipheion have delicate looking pale blue or white flowers that have a silvery, silk-like sheen about them. Growing only to 15-20cm high, they have narrow leaves that appear before the flowers in winter. The leaves are slightly onion scented. There are several named varieties. ‘Rolf Fiedler’ has honey scented, pale blue starry flowers and some pink varieties are now available.
As a summer deciduous perennial, this plant will die back after flowering but don’t worry, as the flowers will return the following year. Plant them as bulbs in the autumn.
