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. liliohyacinthus – This small, clump forming, bulbous perennial from Southwester France and Spain grows 6-10″ tall. In late spring, it produces basal clusters of 6-10 erect, inversely lance shaped, glossy leaves, 6-12″ long. It bears dense conical racemes of 5-20 star shaped, bright lilac-blue to purplish blue, rarely white flowers, ½” across. Prefers a cool site.
Zones 6-9
