How to Grow Puschkinia Plants

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Striped Squill

Puschkinia are dwarf hardy bulbs. They reach about 15 cm (6 inches) in height when in bloom.

They bloom in the early spring, when they carry spiked flowers that are star shaped and striped in blue and white.

The foliage of the Puschkinia plant consists of strapped shaped leaves. These usually have an erect nature.

A common name for Puschkinia is Striped Squill.

Puschkinia (Sstriped Squill) by Dendroica cerulea.

How to Grow Striped Squill and Other Puschkinia

For quick results grow Striped Squill and other Puschkinia from bulbs. These should be buried in the autumn about 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 inches) deep, and about 10 cm (4 inches) apart.

Locate in a part of the garden that has moist soil.

Puschkinia species are able to grow in sunny and partially shaded parts of the garden.

If growing from seeds, then sow into flats in the autumn at about 3 mm (1/8 inch) deep. The flats should then be sank into a fully shaded part of the garden and covered with glass.

It will take at least a month for Striped Squill seedlings to appear. These should be transplanted into their final location as they emerge.

It will take about four years until seed grown Puschkinia will flower.

Caring for Puschkinia

Puschkinia species such as Striped Squill like a moist soil so keep well watered.

An application of mulch is required in the autumn to protect the plant from excessive cold. If you require more plants then they can be propagated by taking bulblets from the plant every couple of years.

Common Questions

How many members does the Puschkinia genus contain?

The Puschkinia plant genus is quite small, with only two known species.

Do Puschkinia members make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Puschkinia, also known as Striped Squill, look great in rock gardens, borders, or under trees and shrubs. Their clusters of star-shaped flowers add a delicate beauty in early spring.

Which Puschkinia species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most commonly grown species is Puschkinia scilloides, known for its delicate white flowers with a characteristic blue stripe.

Are Puschkinia plants fragrant?

Yes, Puschkinia flowers are lightly fragrant.

What is the perfect location to grow Puschkinia?

Puschkinia grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. They should be planted in the fall for spring blooms.

Is Puschkinia invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Currently, Puschkinia is not considered invasive in the USA. However, it can naturalize and spread under ideal conditions.

How do I remove Puschkinia plants from my garden?

If you need to remove Puschkinia, the best approach is to dig out the bulbs. This should be done after the foliage has died back in late spring or early summer.

Summary

The Puschkinia genus belongs to the Asparagaceae family and includes plants commonly known as Striped Squills. These spring-flowering bulbs are recognized for their clusters of star-shaped, white or light blue flowers with a characteristic blue stripe.

Plant Puschkinia bulbs in the fall in a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. These plants are perfect for rock gardens, borders, under trees or shrubs, and they naturalize well, spreading and forming larger clumps over time.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Puschkinia plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Polygonatum, Diascia plant, Castor Bean, and Ornithogalum plants.