Spring Starflower
Ipheion uniflorum 'Jessie'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Bulb Corm Tuber
Height
6 inches
Width
4 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Average
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
South America
Toxicity
All parts may cause mild stomach upset if ingested.
The Story
Plant Bio
A small, bulbous perennial with narrow, grass-like, grey-green leaves that have a faint onion-like scent when crushed. In spring, it produces solitary, star-shaped flowers on slender stems. Distinguished by its exceptionally deep, rich blue, star-shaped flowers, which are larger and more intensely colored than the species. It is a vigorous and free-flowering cultivar.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck bulbs 3 inches deep in well-draining soil in early fall.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around bulbs.
- Allow soil to dry out between watering during dormancy.
- Mist foliage lightly during active growth for best blooms.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in late summer or early fall.
- Mulch with organic matter to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Plant in clusters for a natural look and vibrant spring display.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during active growth 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Don't
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t dig up bulbs unnecessarily
- Refrain from fertilizing after flowering
- Never plant in poorly drained soil
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Spring Starflower questions
What zones can Spring Starflower grow in?
Spring Starflower is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Spring Starflower deer resistant?
Yes — Spring Starflower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Spring Starflower bloom?
Spring Starflower typically blooms in late winter to early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Spring Starflower need full sun?
Spring Starflower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Spring Starflower drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Spring Starflower handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Spring Starflower with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
