These tiny stars of Spring are small bulbous perennials related to Allium, that originated in South America and are suited to free draining soil. The leaves are short and grass like and the star shaped flowers are sweetly scented and come in white, blue and pink forms. They are quick to establish so you can lift and split the clumps every four years or so. Hardy in the UK, they add a welcome touch of colour to late Winter and early Spring.

They are easy to care for and require very little upkeep. You only need to give a little water in times of excessive drought and don’t cut them back. If you need to lift and split a clump, this should be done in September. Ideal for use in beds and borders, under planting for shrubs and trees as well as coastal, woodland, cottage, courtyard, gravel, alpine, rock gardens and containers with other Spring flowering bulbs. In fact, they will happily fit in to almost any garden as long as it doesn’t suffer from the wet.

Each plant grows to approximately 15cm tall and can produce up to ten individual flowers from each bulb. They don't all flower at exactly the same time, so putting a few different types in your garden will lengthen the season of interest for these little beauties.

Be sure to note where you have planted your Ipheion as they are Summer deciduous and it would be a shame to dig them up by mistake.