About
A perennial bulb, to around 15cm high, with broadly linear basal leaves, and upright stems bearing clusters of up to three starry white flowers in spring.
About the genus
Scilla are perennial bulbs with narrow basal leaves and erect stems bearing racemes of star-shaped, flat or bell-shaped flowers which are often blue
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitTufted, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden
ToxicityOrnamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationThrives in any well drained soil in full sun. Ideal for naturalising in grass or a gravel garden. Plant bulbs two to three times their depth. See bulb cultivation and bulbs: naturalising
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division, separating offsets when plants are dormant in summer. See bulb propagation
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to anther smuts and virus diseases