Bulbs

Ipheion
ipheion

- Height 4-6 in (10-15 cm)
- Planting distance 2-3 in (5-7.5 cm)
- Flowers mid- to late spring
- Well-drained soil
- Sheltered, sunny or partially shaded site
- Bulbs available early fall and midfall
- Hardy zones 6-10

This pretty native of South America has one disconcerting characteristic: when crushed, the foliage smells like garlic. Still, the narrow pale green leaves make an attractive ground cover, clothing the earth from fall through winter. The perfumed lilac-blue blooms appear in mid- and late spring. Only one starlike flower is carried on each 4-6 in (10-15 cm) high stem, but a bulb produces several stems, so a noticeable clump is soon formed. Ipheion looks most effective planted in groups in a rock garden or arranged at the front of a border. It tolerates full sun or partial shade, and it is a useful addition to any seaside garden. Ipheion uniflora (also known as Brodiaea uniflora and Tritelecia uniflora) is the only species available. The cultivar 'Wisely Blue' is violet-blue.

Bulbs