scilla
( SILL - uh )
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly 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.
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 in well-draining soil enriched with organic material. Space bulbs 2-3 inches deep and 4 inches apart for cold-hardy species and 3-4 inches deep and 6 inches apart for Scilla peruviana. When foliage yellows after blooms fade, withhold water but do not let the soil dry out completely. Divide clumps only when vigor and flowering decline; otherwise leave them be.
Propagation
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Problems and Pests
Gallery
Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
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A field of thea sinensis
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Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'
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Videos
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A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 596, Scilla
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