Siberian Squill Bulbs

Characteristics

• The Siberian squill plant is a native of Europe and parts of northern Asia that sends up a rosette of deep green, narrow leaves about 6 inches long each spring, followed by one or two flowering stalks. Each stalk produces a single, oval flower bud that opens into a nodding, circular flower with six bright blue petals and a central cluster of blue stamens. Although small, these flowers make a strong statement with their intense color. Siberian squill is especially effective when planted as a large, naturalized grouping, producing the effect of a sweeping blue carpet.

Planting

• Siberian squill grows from a small bulb about 2 inches in diameter that's best planted in early- to mid-fall, giving the plant time to root before winter arrives. Plant each bulb in hole twice as deep as the bulb's diameter, ensuring the nose of the bulb is upward and its rooted side faces downward. The plant is also attractive planted in a lawn, with its blue flowers contrasting against the green turf. After scattering bulbs randomly on the lawn for a natural effect, use an auger or dibble to make holes in the turf for each bulb, replacing sod over each bulb. Because it's an early bloomer, flowers and leaves are usually spent before mowing the lawn becomes necessary.

Sun and Soil

• Siberian squill does best in a spot that gets either full sun or partial shade and grows well at the edge of a woodland or naturalized garden. It thrives in any type of garden soil, but prefers loam that's rich in organic matter. Adding some compost to your soil at planting can help increase its fertility and give the plant a good start. Siberian squill needs well-drained soil and can develop crown rot in soil that holds water. If your soil is high in clay and tends to stay soggy, add some sand to improve its drainage.

Varieties and Propagation

• Several varieties of Siberian squill are available at nurseries or garden centers. "Spring Beauty" (Scilla siberica "Spring Beauty") has especially large, intensely blue flowers on strong stems, while the white variety (Scilla siberica alba) has pure white flowers. Siberian squill spreads naturally by self-seeding if you allow flowers to remain on the plant and release seeds. Bulbs also produce small bulblets as they grow, which mature in time and help increase the size of a planting. You can dig up extra bulbs when leaves die back, using these to start a new planting. Siberian squill can slowly become invasive as it spreads and may need to be controlled by removing extra bulbs or sinking fencing into the ground around a grouping.