Description
Scilla – Squill – Bluebell –
There are 90 bulbous perennials in the Hyacinthaceae family, in this genus. They are found naturally occurring in subalpine meadows, rocky slopes, woodlands, and sea shores in Europe, Africa, and Asia. They are grown for their terminal racemes or corymbs of small usually blue but also pink, purple, or white, bell shaped to flat, or star shaped, flowers borne in spring, but some are autumn flowering. Most have semi erect, strap shaped, sometimes channeled, basal leaves. Naturalize under trees and shrubs or in grass.
Plant bulbs 3-4″ deep in autumn. In moderately fertile, humus rich, well drained soil, in full sun or light shade.
Prone to viruses.
S. bithynica – This small, bulbous perennial from Bulgaria and Turkey grows 4-6″ tall. It produces 3-5 flaccid, linear, basal leaves, to 8″ long, borne in spring along with the compact conical racemes of 6-12 star shaped blue flowers, to 3/4″ across. Excellent for naturalizing.
Zones 6-8
