Scilla (Siberian Squill)

Scilla: The Spring Beauty That Naturalises Effortlessly In Your Garden
The genus Scilla, part of the Hyacinthaceae family, comprises a large group of bulbous perennials native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Central and Western Africa. Various Scilla species can be found across these regions. In early spring, you’ll notice its slender, strap-like leaves emerging, soon followed by delicate spikes of nodding, bell-shaped or star-like flowers. Most Scilla varieties display a vibrant pale blue hue, although white and pink forms can also be found. These charming blooms are pleasantly fragrant and make excellent cut flowers, bringing both beauty and scent to spring bouquets and floral arrangements.

What sets Scilla apart is its remarkable ability to naturalise with ease. Once planted, these flower bulbs return each spring, spreading gradually and multiplying without the need for additional care, eventually forming large, naturalised colonies. When Squill bulbs find a favourable spot, they can propagate both through bulb offsets (small bulbs that develop alongside the parent bulb) and by self-seeding. Unlike many plants, establishing enduring charm in your spring garden or landscape is both quick and effortless with Scilla.

Outstanding Scilla Types: From Scilla Siberica To Scilla Bifolia
When selecting Scilla for your garden, two outstanding varieties stand out for their beauty, resilience, and ease of cultivation: Scilla ‘Siberica’ and Scilla ‘Bifolia’. Both are compact, reaching heights of up to 15 cm, and are generally resistant to deer and rabbits. They possess a light fragrance and perform well both in the ground and in pots or containers. Flowering in early spring, they thrive in cold to mild climates, allowing you to enjoy their delicate charm for many seasons to come.

• Scilla ‘Siberica’: The common name of Scilla Siberica is ‘Siberian Squill’. It is one of the best-loved blue squill varieties. Its vivid, sky-blue, bell-shaped flowers bloom early in the season and naturalise rapidly. The bulbs grow in neat, compact clumps and return reliably each spring, often producing even more blooms each year. This variety is an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, or planting beneath trees.
• Scilla ‘Tubergeniana’: This variety, also known as Scilla ‘Mischtschenkoana’ or ‘White Squill’, is distinguished by its delicate and distinctive appearance. Its large, white florets form dense clusters on short flower spikes, bringing a touch of brightness and contrast to the early spring garden. It is particularly well-suited to small spaces, containers, or as an elegant edging plant.

Other beautiful varieties include Scilla ‘Campanulata’, which features bright blue petals marked with deep blue veins, and Scilla ‘Bifolia’, known for its gentian-blue, star-shaped flowers. If you're seeking a variety that blooms later in the season, into late spring and early summer, Scilla ‘Peruviana’, with its striking violet petals, is an excellent choice.

How To Plant Scilla Bulbs In The UK For Maximum Effect
Depending on your growing zone, Squill bulbs should be planted from early to late autumn. Come spring, you'll be rewarded with a delightful display of white or blue flowers. To ensure success, correct planting is key. For optimal results, follow our comprehensive guide, 'How to Grow Siberian Squill,' or refer to the tips outlined below.

Choose a location with well-drained soil and partial shade, such as the east side of your garden. Full sun is also suitable, provided the soil does not dry out completely during the summer months. Planning to grow Scilla bulbs in a flower bed? Space them approximately 10 cm apart for even coverage. In containers, they can be planted a little closer together to create a denser display. Next, dig holes around 5–8 cm deep, roughly twice the height of the bulbs. Place one bulb in each hole with the pointed end facing upwards, then cover with soil. Once planted, water thoroughly to help settle the soil around the bulbs.

After blooming in early spring, the Scilla plant enters a period of dormancy. Its leaves will turn yellow and gradually die back in late summer; this is a normal part of the growth cycle. You may remove the spent foliage at this stage. To extend your spring display, consider planting Scilla alongside other early-flowering plants, such as spring ephemerals like Snowdrops, Crocuses, Daffodils, or Glory-of-the-Snow. These layered plantings will complement each other beautifully, providing a more continuous and vibrant seasonal display.

Top-Quality Scilla Bulbs For Sale At DutchGrown
Scilla’s ability to multiply over time makes it a favourite among gardeners seeking a soft, colourful display to brighten the garden in early spring. For optimal results, bulb size plays a crucial role. At DutchGrown, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of premium Squill bulbs (8 cm), chosen for their reliability, vigour, and exceptional garden performance. Each variety is selected for its quality and ability to thrive year after year. Browse our collection of early spring flowers and shop your favourite Scilla varieties for the upcoming season. We ship across the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions About Siberian Squill and White Squill

Do Scilla Bulbs Spread?
Scilla bulbs naturally spread throughout the garden, multiplying through bulb offsets and self-sown seeds. This results in a fuller, more vibrant display each spring with very little effort required. When planted in a suitable location, Scilla forms beautiful drifts of colour that gradually expand over time. Its naturalising habit makes it a favourite choice for borders, beneath trees, and in informal or naturalised planting schemes.

Will Squill Grow In The Shade?
Squill does not perform optimally in full shade, where growth may be stunted and flowering reduced. Instead, it prefers partial shade and can also grow well in full sun, provided the soil does not dry out completely during the summer. For optimal results, plant squill in a location that receives ample sunlight during the day. This will help the bulbs produce strong, healthy foliage and support a vibrant spring display.

Do Scilla Come Back Every Year?
Scilla will return each spring when given the proper care and grown in suitable conditions. With well-drained soil and exposure to partial or full sun, it reliably blooms year after year. Over time, Scilla not only reappears but also multiplies, spreading naturally through bulb offsets and self-sown seeds.

Where Is The Best Place To Plant Scilla?
The ideal place to plant Scilla is in garden beds or containers. Select a spot with well-drained soil and partial shade. Full sun is also suitable, provided the soil does not dry out completely during the summer. Scilla is hardy in cold to mild climates and flourishes in naturalised settings. For a soft, seasonal burst of colour, try planting it in drifts across a lawn, beneath deciduous trees, along the edges of native woodland, or in rock gardens.