Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
Scilla
Plant Common Name
Squill
General Description
The squills include about 60 species of bulbous perennials native to a wide range of habitats in Europe and Asia. Scilla formerly included several recently renamed South African species.
These hardy to somewhat tender plants produce underground, fleshy-scaled bulbs with papery tunics. In late winter, spring, summer, or fall, depending on the species, bulbs give rise to clumps of strap-shaped, typically short-lived leaves. Conical to dome-shaped clusters of starry, tubular, or bell-shaped flowers are borne atop leafless stalks before, after, or during the leaves' emergence. Flowers are typically a shade of blue but may be pink, purple or white. Small capsules follow the flowers, opening to release seeds that often self sow, resulting in naturalistic drifts of plants. Species sometimes hybridize.
The early-blooming squills are common in temperate zone gardens. Among the most popular are Siberian squill (Scilla siberica), alpine squill (S. bifolia), Portugese squill (S. peruviana), and early squill (S. mischtschenkoana). Summer and fall-blooming squills such as Chinese scilla (S. scilloides) are less often grown.
Most squills thrive in full to partial sun and well-drained, humus-rich soil. Many appreciate relatively dry conditions during their post-bloom dormant period. Use them to create showy swaths of seasonal color. Many also work well for winter "forcing" in pots.
Characteristics
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Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Native To
Europe, South Africa, Asia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Blue, Purple, Pink, Violet
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
