About
A bulb up to 20cm high with green leaves and pale pink flowers with white centres 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, 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
CultivationIdeal for naturalising in grass or a gravel garden in full sun and a well-drained soil. Plant bulbs two to three times their depth. See bulb cultivation and bulbs: naturalising
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame when ripe, keep shaded and do not allow to dry out. Alternatively remove offsets in summer. See bulb propagation
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to anther smuts and virus diseases