Ipheion Alberto Castillo

Elegant, pure and wonderfully free-flowering, Ipheion 'Alberto Castillo' is one of the finest white forms of Spring Starflower, producing masses of pristine, star-shaped blooms that brighten the garden from the earliest days of spring.

Named after the renowned Argentine plantsman Alberto Castillo, this exceptional cultivar is prized for its unusually large, snow-white flowers and vigorous, reliable growth. Each bloom is composed of six beautifully pointed petals, often displaying the faintest hint of silvery-grey or soft green on the reverse, giving the flowers added depth and refinement. Delicately sweetly scented, they attract early bees and other pollinating insects when little else is in flower.

Flowering over several weeks, 'Alberto Castillo' forms neat clumps of slender, strap-like foliage which releases a gentle onion scent when brushed. It naturalises readily, gradually creating elegant drifts beneath deciduous trees, along pathways, in rockeries and at the front of borders.

Easy to grow and remarkably resilient, this charming bulb thrives in a wide range of garden settings, returning reliably year after year with increasing numbers of flowers.

A superb naturalising bulb that brings freshness, elegance and fragrance to the early spring garden.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Ipheion bulbs in autumn, ideally between September and November, while the soil is still warm enough for roots to establish before winter.

Where to Plant:
Choose a position in full sun or partial shade with fertile, well-drained soil. Spring Starflowers are ideal for rock gardens, borders, woodland edges, containers and naturalising beneath deciduous trees.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant bulbs approximately 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) deep.
• Spacing: Space bulbs about 8–10 cm (3–4 inches) apart.
• Soil Prep: Improve heavy soils with grit or organic matter to ensure good drainage before planting.

Watering:
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. Once established, Ipheion tolerates dry conditions well and usually only requires watering during prolonged dry spells.

Aftercare Tips:

• Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering.
• Leave bulbs undisturbed to naturalise and multiply.
• Apply a light mulch of compost each autumn to maintain healthy soil.

Top Tip:
Plant in generous drifts with blue Ipheion 'Jessie', crocuses and miniature daffodils for a fresh, natural-looking spring display full of contrast.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
March – April (depending on season and conditions)

Height:
4–8" (10–20cm) (approx.)

Position:
Full sun or partial shade

Hardy Perennial