Ipheion uniflorum performing poorly

I have several bulbs of 'Wisely Blue' but only get 1 or 2 flowers a year. What's up? They were planted about 3-4 yrs ago. Tamara

Are they in a pot or in the ground? How deep are they planted? What kind of soil are they in?

This plant is one of the easiest to grow where it's hardy, and multiplies freely. Where frost hardens the ground and temperatures sink into the teens, the protection of a mulch is needed. The leaves emerge in the fall, so the plant isn't suitable for regions with long, cold winters. It likes well-drained soil, with dappled shade during the hottest part of the day. Plant bulbs 2" deep, 3-5" apart. Flowering season is winter in warm climates; spring at the cold end of its range. Moisture needed in spring and early summer; last summer and fall little or no water is needed. A general fertilizer applied as soon as the leaves show speeds growth. Zones 5 to 9.

Hope this helps.

Marilyn

Of course, it made a liar out of me. I noticed that there were about 5 flowers yesterday, which is more than they've ever had. Hopefully, they will just keep increasing every year. Tamara

LOL!!

I think the hardiness of Ipheion uniflorum may be somewhat overrated. In the mid-South (zone 7b to 8b) it does really well. The first year after it's planted you won't see many flowers but after that it multiplies rapidly and also self-seeds. But the foliage starts to grow during the winter... in areas that have really cold winter temps the foliage probably gets killed off and/or the shallow offsets and seedling bulbs get frozen. So, it's probably not your fault... you are at the northern end of what this plant will tolerate.

Yes, you're right. And that's why I said:

I kinda thought it a bit cold for them there too--they do great here. Some species of them have been blooming since Jan for me and still look pretty good. And we are starting to see 80+ temps here.

You ought to see them here - they can become pretty invasive!

Marilyn

I bet so Marilyn, perfect climate for them. I'm so proud just to get my Herbertia pulchella and Cypella herbertia's to do well in all the rain we've had.

I do notice that 'Froyle Mill' is reseeding the best for me this year. I'm having a lot of trouble getting 'Alberto Castillo' to produce seeds, I'm just hoping its multiplying well underground. It's also the first one going down for me--but it has been blooming the longest and continuously so far.
=)

I envy you your Herbertias and Cypellas. I can't grow them well here - not enough heat (too much maritime influence). However, anywhere around here that does get the heat they grow well.

Almost any of the Ipheions go nuts here. I only say "almost" because I haven't tried all of them. Do you know about the Pacific Bulb Society? They have a lot of info on all kinds of bulbs. Here's some info on Ipheions: http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/Ipheion

Marilyn

Marilyn, I'm a member of NARGS, IBS, and PBS; remember me? =)

Yes, I do now. When people use initials as their member name and don't sign their first name I can easily miss someone I don't talk to often. Sorry about that!

Marilyn