Quick Guide: spring, hardy, sun/semi-shade, height: 15cm/6in, width: 7.5cm/3in

A member of the lily family, Ipheion taniflorum is native to South America. It is also known as Brodiaea or Triteleia uniflora. When closely grouped, the star-shaped flowers of white or shades of blue make an attractive addition to the front of the border. While the flowers have a pleasant scent, the leaves smell faintly of garlic.

GROWING Plant bulbs 2.5-5cm/1-2in deep in late autumn in well-drained soil. Choose a sheltered site. Ipheions prefer sun but tolerate partial shade. Remove dead flower stems and foliage in late summer. To prevent overcrowding lift and divide the clumps every 2-3 years.

PROPAGATION Ipheions produce offsets freely. Lift the bulbs as the leaves are fading, separate the offsets and replant immediately.

VARIETIES `Violacea', violet-blue; `Caeruleum', pale blue.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Generally trouble-free.