CHARLOTTE BISHOP SPRING STARFLOWER bulbs

Ipheion uniflorum ‘Charlotte Bishop’ is a charming, sweetly scented spring starflower producing pretty pink, star-shaped blooms — deep pink on opening, fading gracefully as they mature in the sun. Vigorous and freely naturalizing in well-drained soils. A superb choice for borders, rock gardens, lawns, woodland gardens, and containers. Bee and butterfly (pollinator) friendly. Animal resistant. Hardy in zones 5–9. Bulb size 4+ cm circumference.

Plant Highlights

• Sweetly scented pink star-shaped blooms — deep pink on opening, fading gracefully in sun
• Vigorous naturalizer in well-drained soils; excellent for borders and mass planting
• Superb in lawns and throughout the woodland garden
• Bee and butterfly (pollinator) friendly; animal resistant; good cut flower
• Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9
• Bulb size: 4+ cm circumference

Planting Guide

When to plant: Autumn or winter.

Location: Half sun to partial shade; sheltered from high winds. Well-drained, fertile soil. If puddles remain 5–6 hours after heavy rain, amend with compost, peat moss, or ground bark to improve drainage.

Depth & spacing: Plant bulbs 4 inches apart, 4 inches deep, with the slightly pointed end facing upward.

After planting: Water well to settle soil around bulbs. Roots form within 1–2 weeks; foliage emerges the following spring.

Care Guide

In bloom: Feel free to cut flower stems for bouquets — fertilize lightly after cutting to support future seasons.

After bloom: Leave foliage in place until it yellows and dies back naturally — it feeds the bulb through photosynthesis. Water ~1 inch per week during active growth.

Dormancy: When foliage yellows, remove it and reduce watering. Bulbs prefer drier conditions while dormant. Water once in autumn with a diluted water-soluble fertilizer to support root development for next spring.

Container Planting

Use good quality, well-drained potting mix in containers with adequate drainage holes. Plant bulbs 4 inches deep, pointy end up, close together (about 1 inch apart) for the best display. Site in full sun; water and care as above.

Planting Specs

• Common name: Spring Starflower, Starflower
• Botanical name: Ipheion uniflorum ‘Charlotte Bishop’
• Bloom color: Pink (deep on opening, fading with maturity)
• Bloom time: April–May
• Height: 3–6 inches
• Bulb size: 4+ cm circumference
• USDA Zones: Hardy 5–9
• Light: Half sun to partial shade
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained
• Planting time: Autumn or winter
• Spacing: 4 inches | Depth: 4 inches
• Special features: Bee & pollinator friendly, good cut flower, animal resistant
• Use: Borders, rock gardens, lawns, woodland gardens, containers