Ipheion Wisley Blue

Delightfully free-flowering and exceptionally reliable, Ipheion 'Wisley Blue' is a beautiful Spring Starflower producing masses of soft lavender-blue, star-shaped blooms that gently carpet the garden in early spring.

Selected for its excellent garden performance and named after the famous RHS Garden Wisley, 'Wisley Blue' is prized for its abundance of elegant flowers and vigorous habit. Each bloom displays six perfectly pointed petals in delicate lavender-blue, highlighted by a deeper blue central stripe that enhances the star-like form. The flowers carry a light, sweet fragrance and are a welcome source of nectar for bees and other early pollinating insects.

Flowering over many weeks, the blooms rise above neat clumps of slender, grassy foliage that releases a gentle onion scent when bruised. Left undisturbed, the bulbs multiply steadily, creating graceful drifts beneath deciduous trees, through rockeries, along pathways or at the front of borders.

Easy to grow, hardy and wonderfully low maintenance, 'Wisley Blue' is ideal for naturalising and looks especially beautiful planted alongside crocuses, miniature narcissus and dwarf irises.

A charming and dependable Spring Starflower that brings effortless beauty and soft colour to the earliest days of spring.

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 beneath deciduous trees or weave through spring borders with dwarf Narcissus and Iris reticulata for a long-lasting succession of early 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