Ipheion uniflorum 'Tessa'

Ipheion 'Tessa' is a new color form of the popular and easy-to-grow winter-flowering South American starflower. Ipheion uniflorum 'Tessa' was registered by Holland's Walter Blom B.V. in 2008, and is slowly becoming available. The winter growing, glaucuous green foliage of Ipheion 'Tessa' is topped, starting for us, in early March with 4" tall solitary stalks of mauvy pink flowers, each petal highlighted by a darker violet midrib. By late May, starflowers have gone dormant for the summer, so mark the spot.

Maintenance:

Once planted Spring Starflower requires no maintenance. However every few years the clumps can be divided and replanted to form larger masses for bigger and better displays in the garden. This can be done most anytime though the best time might be after bloom. Dig a clump up and divide into as many clumps as desired, from one bulb to clumps of many bulbs. Replant and water in. Done after bloom the foliage will likely die away quicker than it would if left undivided. No worries here as it will definitely return next fall.

Growing Conditions:

Ipheion are summer dormant and will tolerate drought during its dormant period. They resume growth in the fall and grow through the winter months into spring. At this time they need moisture and at least part day sun. They will thrive in full sun. Avoid poorly drained soil. They don't need sharp drainage, just average drainage.

As Ipheion grows through the winter months it is an excellent plant to fill spaces that are vacated in the winter by large herbaceous perennials such as crinums and hibiscus or under deciduous shrubs. Thus two different plants occupy the same space, subletting it during opposite growing seasons; the frost-tolerant Ipheion during the winter growing season and the others during the frost-free growing season. Twice as much ornamental display is thus created in the same space by using this method.

Natural Impact:

Ipheion is of great value for the time of the year that it blooms, late winter into early spring, and for the length of time that it is in bloom, at least 6 weeks, producing a long succession of flowers. Blue is the typical color of both Ipheion uniflorum and Ipheion perigrinans and it is a true blue and perhaps of greater value for being this hue. The white and pink flowered selections are also very beautiful. Single clumps are quite lovely but larger masses or drifts have far more impact.

The foliage of Ipheion is garlic-scented like its Allium relatives and usually not grazed by deer or rabbits.