Ipheion uniflorum Froyle Mill

The Ipheion uniflorum 'Froyle Mill' has recently been selected in England, in New Hampshire, for its larger and brightly violet-coloured flowers. They bloom early in spring, on a tuft of grass-like leaves that spread over time. The foliage dries out as the bulb goes into dormancy in summer, to escape the heat and drought. Very hardy and easy to grow in any well-drained soil, even limestone, this charming little plant naturalizes easily in the sun on slopes, in rock gardens or borders.

The Ipheion uniflorum or Tristagma uniflora is a small bulbous plant with a very simple appearance, native to South America (specifically the meadows and rock gardens of Argentina). It is classified in the lily family, like garlic and onion, among others. The 'Froyle Mill' cultivar stands out for its very bright colour, undoubtedly the most intense violet ever obtained in ipheions. The bulb produces a tuft of linear, pale blue-green leaves, upright in habit, reaching a height of 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) when in flower. They will completely disappear in summer, or even as early as May in the south.

In late winter (February-March), solitary flowers emerge, with a light honey scent, measuring 2 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, violet in colour, contrasting with yellow stamens. They are upward-facing and star-shaped, composed of 6 narrow petals. In cold climates, its long flowering period begins at the same time as the first crocuses, reaching its peak in March and April, and ending in May with the arrival of summer heat. In hot and dry climates, the plant blooms around mid-March, for a shorter period of about 3 weeks. Very hardy in well-drained soil, this plant requires dry and hot summers. It multiplies very rapidly by producing numerous bulblets.

The Ipheion 'Froyle Mill' pairs well with Muscari armeniacum or Zephiranthes candida, for example, two other equally easy-to-grow small bulbs. It can also be planted under deciduous shrubs, accompanied by perennials to create layered flowering. It spreads in borders, rock gardens, at the front of flower beds, along well-exposed walls, or even in pots. Harvest the flowers as soon as they bloom if you want to make bouquets. Ipheion is also an excellent ground cover, sometimes becoming invasive.