Ipheion Rolf Fiedler

Description

Ipheion ‘Rolf Fiedler’ – spring starflower

Botanical name: Ipheion uniflorum ‘Rolf Fiedler’
Common names: Spring starflower
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Plant type: Bulbous perennial
Habit: Low, clump-forming
Pot size: 1 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 10–15cm tall × 8cm spread per bulb; clumps up over time
Foliage: Narrow, grassy, pale green leaves with a faint onion scent; dies back after flowering
Flowers: Clear sky-blue, star-shaped flowers, spring (March–April)
Scent: Faint onion scent to the foliage
Aspect / light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained; poor to average; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H4 (hardy, to about −10°C); USDA zones 6–9
Exposure: Sheltered, sunny
Native range: South America (Argentina and Uruguay)
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic, though as an onion relative it is best not eaten

Ipheion ‘Rolf Fiedler’ bears clear sky-blue, star-shaped flowers above grassy foliage in spring. A dainty, easy bulb for sunny rockeries, edging and pots, it naturalises well over time to form generous clumps.

GardenAdvice notes

A small, clump-forming bulb from South America, spring starflower is prized for the exceptionally clear blue of this selection, carried in starry flowers over neat grassy foliage. Easy and undemanding, it multiplies steadily and naturalises well in a warm, sunny, well-drained spot, its leaves giving off a faint onion scent when bruised.

Growing & planting

Plant the bulbs in autumn in well-drained soil in full sun, about 5–8cm deep and 8cm apart, choosing a warm, sheltered spot such as a rockery, wall base or the front of a sunny border. It naturalises freely, so allow room for clumps to spread.

Care & maintenance

Very easy. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering, and leave clumps undisturbed to multiply. Lift and divide only when congestion reduces flowering. No feeding is usually needed. A sunny, sharply drained position gives the best flowering.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide congested clumps as the foliage dies back, replanting the bulbs.
• Offsets: Detach naturally produced offset bulbs when dividing.
• Seed: Self-seeds gently in favourable spots.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. Bulbs may rot in wet, poorly drained soil, but few pests trouble it. Sharp drainage and a sunny position keep it healthy.

Uses in the garden

Ideal for sunny rockeries, gravel gardens, the front of borders, edging and pots, and for naturalising in warm, well-drained spots where the clear blue spring flowers can spread.

Wildlife value

The early star-shaped flowers offer nectar to bees and other pollinators active in spring.

Toxicity & safety

Spring starflower is generally regarded as non-toxic, though like its onion relatives it is best not eaten; site it where pets are unlikely to dig up the bulbs.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Rolf Fiedler’ has the clearest, brightest blue of the spring starflowers, so plant it somewhere you’ll see it up close — a rockery, wall foot or the front of a sunny border. Give it a warm, sharply drained spot and leave it undisturbed, and it will slowly build into a lovely blue carpet over the years.

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