The Widow’s Flower, known botanically as Tristagma uniflorum, is also recognized by several other common names, including Spring Starflower and Ithuriel’s Spear. Native to South America, particularly regions of Argentina and Uruguay, it brings early color to gardens with its small, star-shaped flowers that emerge in late winter to early spring.
Identifying the Widow’s Flower
Its star-shaped flowers display shades of white, pale blue, or purple, often featuring a subtle darker stripe down each petal. These blossoms are held individually atop slender stems. The plant’s foliage consists of narrow, grass-like leaves that form a low-growing, clumping habit.
Flower stems range from 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm) tall, with foliage remaining closer to the ground. It blooms from late winter through spring. When crushed, the leaves emit a faint onion or garlic-like scent, a secondary identification clue.
Planting and Growing Widow’s Flower
Successful establishment of the Widow’s Flower requires thoughtful site selection and proper planting techniques to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Choosing a Site
The Widow’s Flower thrives in locations that receive full sun to partial shade, with full sun promoting the most prolific blooming. It is adaptable to various soil types but prefers well-draining conditions, such as sandy loam. Good drainage is important to prevent the bulbs from rotting. This plant is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9.
Planting Bulbs
The best time to plant Widow’s Flower bulbs is in the fall, allowing them to establish roots before winter. Plant bulbs 2 to 4 inches deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. Planting them in groups or clusters creates a better visual display as they naturalize over time.
Watering
After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly to settle the soil. During the active growing season, particularly in spring, the Widow’s Flower prefers consistently moist soil; avoid waterlogged conditions. Once established, the plant is somewhat drought tolerant, but consistent moisture during its growth period improves performance.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once established, the Widow’s Flower requires minimal yet specific care to maintain its health and vigor through successive seasons.
Fertilization
Generally, the Widow’s Flower does not require heavy fertilization. If soil nutrients are low, a balanced fertilizer can be applied. This is done after the plant has finished flowering to support the bulb’s energy reserves for the following year. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
Post-Flowering Care
After blooms fade, allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally. This process allows leaves to photosynthesize and transfer energy back to the bulb, nourishing it for the next growing cycle. Removing green foliage prematurely can weaken the bulb and reduce flowering in subsequent seasons. The plant enters dormancy during the summer months.
Division
Over time, crowded clumps of Widow’s Flower may lead to diminished flowering. When this occurs, every few years, the bulbs can be divided. This task is best performed during the plant’s dormancy, in late summer or early fall. Gently lift the clumps, separate the offsets, and replant them to create new colonies or expand existing ones.
Important Considerations
Gardeners should be aware of several broader aspects concerning the Widow’s Flower, including its spreading habits and safety.
This plant spreads readily through bulb offsets and self-seeding, forming large colonies over time. While it can spread rapidly, it is not considered aggressively invasive. Consider its vigorous spreading when selecting a planting location.
The Widow’s Flower is mildly toxic to humans and pets if bulbs are ingested. Ingestion symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Keep the plant out of reach of young children and pets. It is resistant to deer and rabbits.