Puschkinia (Striped Squill)

Puschkinia: Petite Bloom, Striking Presence
Puschkinia is a small genus of bulbous perennial plants in the Asparagaceae family, named in honour of the Russian botanist Apollo Mussin-Pushkin. Native to the mountainous regions of the Middle East, including the Caucasus, Turkey, Iran, and Lebanon, these delicate plants offer a striking presence despite their modest stature. Closely related to Chionodoxa and Scilla, Puschkinia is hardy and well-suited to a range of climates. Its understated beauty lends a graceful charm to any garden, particularly when planted in areas where early spring blooms are most welcomed.

Puschkinia bears star-shaped flowers atop slender green stems, with tepals ranging in colour from pale blue to white. Its narrow, grass-like foliage hugs the ground, contributing to an understated, graceful aesthetic. This early-flowering bulb thrives in a range of settings, including rock gardens, beneath deciduous trees, among shrubs, and in pots or containers. Puschkinia is particularly striking when planted en masse, creating a soft carpet of early spring colour. It pairs beautifully with Daffodils or early Tulips, offering a charming contrast in both form and hue. Quietly enhancing the garden without overwhelming other plantings, Puschkinia brings a subtle elegance to any display.

A Genus Containing Four Beautiful Species Of Bulbous Perennials
The genus Puschkinia comprises four recognised species of small, spring-flowering perennials: Puschkinia ‘Bilgineri’, Puschkinia ‘Kurdistanica’, Puschkinia ‘Peshmenii’, and Puschkinia ‘Scilloides’. While each species has its own subtle distinctions, all share the same quiet charm and dependable early-season bloom.

Puschkinia Scilloides: The Beloved Star Of The Show
Of all the species, Puschkinia ‘Scilloides’ is the most widely cultivated and treasured. Commonly known as ‘Striped Squill’, ‘Russian Snowdrop’, or ‘Lebanon Squill’, it is among the earliest bulbs to flower, occasionally appearing as early as late winter. This reliable perennial naturalises beautifully, returning each year in gently spreading clusters that bring quiet charm to the garden.

Puschkinia Libanotica (Lebanon Striped Squill)
At first glance, the flowers may seem white, but a closer look reveals silvery-blue petals, each delicately marked with a fine sky-blue stripe along the centre. The upright leaves emerge gradually around the base. Growing to just 13–25 cm in height, Puschkinia ‘Scilloides’ makes an excellent low-growing ground cover. It thrives in a variety of garden settings, provided the soil is well-drained, and naturalises particularly well beneath mature trees. At DutchGrown, we offer the award-winning Puschkinia Scilloides ‘Libanotica’ variety that is carefully selected for its clean, subtly spicy fragrance and consistent performance in the garden.

How To Plant Puschkinia For Maximum Effect In Your Garden
To grow Puschkinia bulbs successfully, both timing and placement are key. Plant the bulbs in autumn, before the ground begins to freeze, to allow sufficient time for strong root development.

Begin by choosing a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Beneath deciduous trees or along the edge of a woodland path often works well. Plant each bulb approximately 7–8 cm deep, following the general guideline of planting bulbs at a depth roughly twice their height. In borders or flower beds, space the bulbs 10–12 cm apart. In containers, they may be positioned slightly closer together for a more compact and abundant display. Ensure each bulb is planted with the pointed end facing upwards. Once in place, water the area thoroughly to help the soil settle. Striped Squill prefers moist but well-drained conditions, so continue watering regularly after planting, taking care to avoid waterlogging.

After flowering, each leaf gradually turns yellow and dies back. During this period, reduce watering and allow the bulbs to rest. You can tidy away the faded foliage or let it decompose naturally. Would you like to learn more about this delightful plant? Explore our growing guide ‘How to Grow Puschkinia Bulbs’ for detailed advice and tips.

Buy Top-Quality Puschkinia Bulbs At DutchGrown
Would you like to grow the charming Puschkinia in your garden? At DutchGrown, you’ll find top-quality Puschkinia Scilloides var. Libanotica bulbs for sale. We carefully select our bulbs for their vigour, reliability, and beauty in bloom—and we supply only the largest available sizes (bulb size 6 cm). Whether you're a novice or a seasoned gardener, our dedication to quality ensures you have the best chance of success. With DutchGrown, you garden with tradition, expertise, and care. We deliver throughout the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions About Puschkinia

Is Puschkinia Invasive?
Puschkinia is not an invasive plant. Although it increases gradually over time, it remains manageable if needed. It spreads gently by self-seeding and producing bulb offsets, forming larger clusters with each passing year. This makes it ideal for naturalising in borders, beneath trees, or along garden pathways. It offers long-lasting beauty without overwhelming other plants in your garden.

Is Puschkinia A Perennial?
Puschkinia is a perennial bulb that reliably returns year after year. Given well-drained soil and a position in light shade or full sun, it will bloom from late winter through to early spring. Hardy across a range of climates, Puschkinia is a dependable and graceful addition to any garden.

When Should I Plant Puschkinia Bulbs?
Plant Puschkinia bulbs in the autumn, ideally before the ground begins to freeze. This gives the bulbs time to establish roots ahead of winter. Timely planting encourages healthy growth and ensures an early display of blooms in late winter or early spring. For best results, choose a well-drained spot in the garden or a suitable container, and plant the bulbs approximately 7–8 cm deep, before the first hard frost.

Do Deer Eat Striped Squill?
Deer typically avoid Striped Squill (Puschkinia), as the bulbs are naturally resistant to deer. This makes them a dependable choice for gardens where deer browsing is a concern. You can enjoy their delicate blooms with peace of mind.