Scilla

scilla

( SILL - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Squill or Bluebell, this genus of flowering perennials grow from bulb and need full sun to partial shade and regular water during growth and blooming periods. They have many applications in the garden, depending on the species grown, and are wonderful in mixed borders, in clumps along pathways, or when grown in containers. Take care when planting these blooms in the garden, as all plant parts are highly toxic if ingested by humans or pets.

Scilla Species and Varietals

The genus Scilla is a member of the plant family Asparagaceae and includes between 30 and 80 species, depending on how the genus is defined. Bluebell growing zones vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Scilla amoena (Star Hyacinth, Squill)
These plants are perennial bulbs which reach between 6 and 10 inches tall when in flower. Each plant produces between four and five strappy, green leaves with reddish undersides. They are typically longer than scapes. Individual plants produce one to three flower stems that are angular and somewhat compressed. Flowers are light blue with dark central veins.

Scilla bifolia (Alpine Squill, Two-Leaf Squill)
This species grows well in zones 2-11 and 14-21. Each flowering stem holds three turquoise-blue flowers. Varieties with white, violet blue, and pale purple-pink blooms are available as well. Each bulb in this species produces only two leaves. Variety 'Rosea' has pale pink to white flowers.

Scilla forbesii (Scilla siehei) (Forbe's Glory-of-the-Snow, Siehe's Glory-of-the-Snow)
These plants are native to western Turkey and seed readily, forming colonies. Each bulb produces two leaves and short flowering stems that hold multiple blue-violet blooms with whitish centers.

Scilla litardierei (Amethyst Meadow Squill, Dalmatian Scilla)
These plants produce blue grape-hyacinth-like flowers that bloom in late springtime. Plants are bulbous perennials, and produce three to six grass-like leaves that taper to a point. Each flower spike containers up to 70 star-shaped flowers and reach between 6 and 8.

Scilla lucilia (Bossier's Glory-of-the-Snow, Lucile's Glory-of-the-Snow)
This species of Squill is native to western Turkey, and produces flowers in early springtime. After flowering, plants go dormant until the next spring. The specific epithet honors the wife of Swiss botanist Pierre Edmond Bossier. Flowers are lilac blue to violet and have white centers. Stems reach up to 8 inches tall.

Scilla mischtschenkoana (Mishchenko, Misczenko Squill, Early Squill, Early Squill)
This species grows well in zones 1-11 and 14-21 and has pale blue flowers with darker blue stripes. Blooms appear in late wintertime or early springtime. Cultivar 'Tubergeniana' is a choice garden ornamental variety of the species.

Scillia peruviana (Peruvian Scilla, Portuguese Squill)
This species grows best in zones 14-17 and 19-24 and grows from a large bulb. Flowers are bluish purple and bloom in clusters of up to 50 in late spring. A white-blooming variety is also available.

Scilla siberica (Siberian Squill)
This species grows in zones A2, A3, 1-7 and 10 and has blue bell-shaped flowers. Varieties come in pink, white, and shades of violet and often have darker stripes. Choice selections include 'Alba' (with white flowers) and 'Spring Beauty' (dark blue flowers that are larger than the species).

Caring for Scilla

Plant in fall, spacing bulbs 2-3 inches deep and 4 inches apart for cold-hardy species and 3-4 inches deep and 6 inches apart for species like Scilla peruviana. They appreciate a space in the garden that has space for them to spread; they typically naturalize over a wide area, especially when grown in a protected area like under a deciduous tree. Pick a spot that gets partial shade to full sun. They appreciate around 6 hours of sun each day to bloom and grow well. They do not flower or naturalize well when planted in full shade, and do not do so well under evergreen trees. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich with plenty of organic matter added, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. This layer of mulch will also help to insulate bulbs over the cool months of the year. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these flowers like regular waterings during their active blooming and growth seasons in spring and early summertime.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Prune to remove spent flowering stems (unless you will be harvesting seeds for propagation). When foliage yellows after blooms fade, withhold water but do not let the soil dry out completely. Do not remove foliage until it fully yellows, as when it is green it is still photosynthesizing, gathering and sending energy to the underground storage bulb. Divide clumps only when vigor and flowering decline; otherwise leave them be. For instructions on how to successfully