The Tessa starflower (Ipheion) is a bulbous plant that produces lovely star-shaped flowers in spring. Perennial starflower looks particularly well in larger groups. You can grow it in rockeries, along building walls, or under not-too-dense shrubs. It is an excellent proposition for lower flower beds, borders, and path edgings. A low-growing, only ten to fifteen centimetres (four to six inches) tall, Ipheion is appreciated for its high decorativeness and easy cultivation. Quickly spreading starflower can be left unattended for up to several years, which is a big plus for naturalistic plantings. The Tessa variety offered in our store blooms in April and May, producing myriads of six-petal, pink-lilac flowers. The sweet-smelling starflower blooms are surrounded by narrow, smooth leaves. The appearance of the entire plant is unpretentious and subtle. The Tessa starflower is a reliable and trouble-free plant that anyone can handle.

Ipheion bulbs should be planted in autumn, from September to October, six to eight centimetres (about two to three inches) deep. Find a sheltered, sunny area, with light, humous, and permeable soil. As this plant starts to grow very early and may be damaged by frost, we recommend covering the site carefully before the winter. After the flowering period in spring, plants gradually die and enter dormancy. Do not worry, only until next spring, when they emerge broader and stronger.

One package contains ten bulbs of the Tessa starflower. Basic plant facts and growing tips were printed on the package label.

• Variety: Tessa
• Use: ornamental - garden
• Growth form: dwarf
• Flower colour: pink-lilac
• Vegetation form: perennial
• Foliage: narrow, smooth
• Flower type: star-shaped, gathered in clusters
• Site: sheltered, sunny; light, humous, permeable soil
• Bulbs: 10
• Height: 10 to 15 centimetres
• Flowering period: April to May
• Planting period: September and October
• Planting depth (centimetres): 6 to 8 centimetres
• Wintering in the ground?: yes