Star flower

Sunset, Oct, 2004 by David C. Becker

Bearing porcelain blue blossoms on stems that reach only 6 inches tall, spring star flower (Ipheion uniflorum) looks delicate. But as one of the toughest and easiest bulbs you can grow, it tolerates a wide range of soils, takes sun or part shade, and, with minimum care, lives for years, often multiplying. The Argentina native is also quite hardy, suited to every part of Northern California except the coldest mountain areas (Sunset climate zones 1a-2a).

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Spring star flower looks good planted in drifts under deciduous trees, tucked into rock gardens, or slipped between steppingstones. It also thrives in containers--either beneath taller-growing plants or massed by itself--thriving for four or five years before it needs dividing.

Fall is the time to plant these bulbs for spring bloom; set them about 2 inches deep and 2 inches apart. Water regularly during growth and bloom, then keep the soil fairly dry during summer.