Scilla Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 27th Oct 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Scilla plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

At a Glance: Scilla

Plant Characteristics: Scilla plants feature charming star-shaped flowers that can bring a burst of color to a garden. Their early spring blooms provide a vibrant start to the gardening season.
Ideal Growing Conditions: This plant thrives in well-draining soil and prefers a sunny to partially shaded location.
General Care: Water regularly but avoid over-saturation. Once flowering ends, allow the leaves to naturally wither.
Tips for New Gardeners: Bluebells are a forgiving choice for novice gardeners. Planting bulbs in the fall will lead to delightful spring blooms. While they are relatively low-maintenance, be careful not to over-water.

Squill, and Bluebell: Cultivation & Garden Use

Members of the Scilla genus range in height from 15 to 90 cm (6 to 36 inches). They are usually grown as a hardy bulb in the garden.

Plants bloom from spring to the start of summer, and have bell or tubular shaped flowers of blue, white or purple. These are carried on spikes.

Common names for Scilla plants include Bluebell, Cuban Lily, Spanish Bluebell, Hyacinth of Peru, Siberian Squill, and Blue Squill, while commonly grown species include Scilla hyacinthoides and Scilla campanulata

Scilla Siberica
Scilla Siberica (Siberian Squill) by @tone.

As a member of the Asparagaceae family plants are related to Asparagus, the Yucca plant, Ornithogalum nutans, Polygonatum, and Veltheimia plants.

How to Grow Bluebell and Other Scilla

It is easiest to grow plants from Scilla bulbs; these should be planted outdoors in the autumn. Plant smaller varieties at about 8 cm (3 inches) deep, and larger species at 12 cm (5 inches). Space the bulbs from 9 cm / 4 inches (small) to 12 cm / 5 inches (large) apart.

If you prefer to grow from seed, then start them off indoors in the spring. First imbibe the Bluebell seeds by sowing them in flats (lightly cover the seed), put them in a black bag, and place in the fridge for three weeks.

Flats should then be sank into a shady part of the garden. It should take from one to six months to germinate.

Transplant the young seedlings into either a sunny or partially shaded part of the garden that has a good drainage and a rich loamy soil of pH 6 to 7.

It should take about four years until seed grown Scilla plants will flower.

Caring for Scilla

Scilla plant species such as Bluebells and Squill are pretty easy to look after. They like moist ground, so water well when flowering. However, when flowering has finished, stop watering and allow the bulbs to dry.

Additionally, apply manure every autumn. You may like to grow them in a contained part of the garden as they spread rapidly.

If you require further plants then plant the offsets that Scilla produces in the autumn.

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Scilla Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Squill, Cuban lily, Bluebell.
Life Cycle: Hardy bulb.
Height: 4 to 12 inches (10—30 cm), some wild species reach 36 inches (90 cm).
Native: Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Growing Region: Zones 4 to 10.
Flowers: Spring and the beginning of summer.
Flower Details: Blue, white, purple. Variable flower shapes, usually tubular but Scilla litardierei for example has grape-hyacinth-like flowers. Separate stamens.
Foliage: Bulbous. Strap-shaped.
Sowing: Typically takes four or five years for seed grown Scilla plants to produce flowers. Cover seed. Germination time: one to six months.
Method 1: Seeds should first be sown into flats in the autumn. Next sink the flat into the ground in an area that offers shade, preferably close to a wall that faces north. Provide a glass/plastic covering. Keep an eye on the flats to ensure that the soil remains moist. Bring the flats indoor at the beginning of spring and keep at 50°F (10°C).
Method 2: In the spring, mix seeds in a moist growing medium, then put in flats, wrap in a large plastic bag, and stratify by refrigeration for three weeks. Next bury the flat as described above.
Once seedlings emerge transplant them to their final location.
Planting: Three to five inches (8—12 cm) deep depending on bulb size. Autumn. Space at 3 to 5 inches (8—12 cm).
Requirements and care: Light requirement is species dependent: most species will grow in both full sunlight or partial shade, but Scilla siberica and Scilla non-scripta should be grown in full shade, while Scilla peruviana and Scilla pratensis prefer full sun. Rich loam. Good drainage. Neutral to slightly acidic soil (pH 6—7). Autumn top dressing or spring feed. Regular watering during periods of growth until the end of flowering. Divide every three years to maintain vigor. Spreads readily, consider growing in a confined area. Propagate: from offsets in the autumn.
Family: Asparagaceae
Closely Related Species: Asapragus, Leucocrinum, Hosta, Yucca, and many more.
Miscellaneous: Many species are considered endangered in their native countries yet have become invasive in other areas; ensure that you have permission before removing or gathering seeds from wild-plants.

Common Questions

How many members does the Scilla genus have?

The Scilla genus, known as Squills, comprises approximately 50 to 80 species.

Do members of Scilla make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Scilla species are often planted for their charming, early spring flowers, making them a wonderful addition to gardens and landscapes.

Which Scilla species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Scilla siberica (Siberian Squill) and Scilla peruviana (Portuguese Squill) are two species frequently grown by gardeners.

Are members of the Scilla plant genus fragrant?

Some species of Scilla, such as Scilla peruviana, have a mild fragrance. However, they're typically grown for their attractive blooms rather than scent.

What is the perfect location to grow Scilla?

Scilla prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. They are cold-hardy and suitable for USDA zones 2 to 8.

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

At present, Scilla is not considered invasive in the USA. Always check local guidelines and regulations.

How do I remove Scilla plants from my garden?

To remove Scilla, carefully dig up the bulbs, ensuring you remove all bulb offsets to prevent regrowth. A trowel or garden fork can be helpful in this process.

Summary

The Scilla genus consists of bulbous perennials native to woodlands, subalpine meadows, and seashores of Europe, Africa, and the Middle-East. They produce beautiful, bell-shaped flowers, commonly in shades of blue, during spring.

To grow Scilla, plant bulbs in the autumn in a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They require minimal care once established and are quite drought-tolerant. Their foliage should be allowed to die back naturally after flowering to ensure vigorous blooming the following season.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Scilla. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Hosta and Brimeura plants.

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