Scilla forbesii 'Violet Beauty'
Forbes' squill 'Violet Beauty'
A perennial bulb, to around 15cm high, with pairs of strap-shaped green leaves. Upright stems bear small clusters of upward-facing, starry pale purple flowers with paler centres in spring
Synonyms
Chionodoxa luciliae 'Violet Beauty'Scilla luciliae 'Violet Beauty'
see moreChionodoxa forbesii 'Violet Beauty'
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted, 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in well drained soil in full sun or light shade. Ideal for naturalising in grass or a gravel garden. Plant bulbs two to three times their depth. See bulb cultivation and bulbs: naturalising
Propagation
Propagate by division, separating offsets when plants are dormant in summer. See bulb propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Rock garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
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.