Overview
Scilla is a clump forming bulbs in the genus Scilla, part of the Asparagaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Scilla grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants.
About
Scilla, commonly known as caper hyacinth or squill, is a clump-forming perennial bulbous plant in the Asparagaceae family. It features slender semi-evergreen basal foliage and upright stems that bear clusters of star-like flowers, typically in shades of blue. This cultivar thrives in full sun with a south- or west-facing aspect and prefers well-drained chalk, loam, or sand soils with a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for sheltered locations and is ideal for city gardens, coastal areas, and informal cottage settings. It flowers in spring and summer and can be propagated by dividing offsets in late summer.
About the genus
Scilla is a genus of about 30 to 80 species of bulb-forming perennial herbaceous plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae. Sometimes called the squills in English, they are native to woodlands, subalpine meadows, and seashores throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East. A few species are also naturalized in Australasia and North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Scilla", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Scilla
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Scilla
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Scilla size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Scilla
- Propagation
- Propagate by division, separating offsets when plants are dormant in late summer. See bulb propagation
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to anther smuts and virus diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Scilla?
Scilla prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Scilla need?
Scilla is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Scilla hardy in the UK?
Scilla has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Scilla?
Propagate by division, separating offsets when plants are dormant in late summer. See bulb propagation.
