Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Scilla are perennial bulbs with narrow basal leaves and erect stems bearing racemes of star-shaped, flat or bell-shaped flowers which are often blue
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Europe, N Iraq
How to grow
Cultivation
Ideal for naturalising in grass or a gravel garden in full sun and a well-drained soil. Plant bulbs two to three times their depth. See bulb cultivation and bulbs: naturalising
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame when ripe, keep shaded and do not allow to dry out. Alternatively remove offsets in summer. See bulb propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Wildflower meadow
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to anther smuts and virus diseases
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.