About

A perennial bulb, to around 15cm high, with narrow green foliage appearing in early spring. Upright stems produce clusters of white, star-shaped flowers with small yellow centres in early spring. Ideal for pots and window boxes or rockeries.

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
HabitClump forming, Tufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
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