Ipheion uniflorum Charlotte Bishop

Soft, elegant and wonderfully floriferous, Ipheion uniflorum 'Charlotte Bishop' is one of the finest pink Spring Starflowers, producing masses of delicate shell-pink, star-shaped blooms that bring a gentle warmth to the early spring garden.

Introduced in the early 20th century and still highly prized today, 'Charlotte Bishop' is a charming selection of the South American Spring Starflower. Its perfectly formed six-petalled flowers open in soft blush-pink with subtle lilac undertones and a slightly deeper pink central stripe, creating a refined display that looks especially beautiful in the gentle light of early spring. The blooms carry a delicate sweet fragrance that attracts bees and other early pollinating insects.

The graceful flowers are borne above neat clumps of slender, grassy foliage which releases a mild onion scent when brushed. Left undisturbed, the bulbs gradually multiply to form elegant drifts beneath deciduous trees, through rockeries, along pathways and at the front of borders, returning more generously with each passing year.

Beautiful planted with white forms such as 'Alberto Castillo' or the deep blue 'Rolf Fiedler', 'Charlotte Bishop' creates a wonderfully balanced palette of soft spring colour.

A delightful heirloom variety that combines subtle beauty, fragrance and exceptional reliability.

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 white and blue Ipheion varieties, Crocus and dwarf Narcissus for a beautifully balanced tapestry of early spring colour.

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