Puschkinia scilloides - Striped Squill

Family: Hyacinthaceae

Common Name(s): Striped Squill

Native to: Asia and the Middle East

Flowering: Spring

Watering: Water in well at planting time and then on an occasional basis to promote growth.

Planting Aspect: Full Sun, Part Shade

Preferred Climate:

 

Temperate, Subtropical, Grassland

Description

Striped Squill has up to six delicate, porcelain-blue, star shaped flowers with a darker blue line down the petals on stems up to 20cm tall. It also has a strong scent and is the perfect bulb for areas where it can be allowed to self-sow, which it does quite readily. For best effect in the garden, rockery or in pots, it should be planted in large groups and can be grown in full sun or part shade.

Cultivation

Best suited for cool to temperate locations with a distinct winter and a cool summer. Choose a site that is sunny or under deciduous trees with good draining but moisture retentive soil. Plant the bulbs 5cm deep and 10 to 15cm apart Prepare the growing site by digging over the soil and adding a good handful of blood and bone, rich compost or well decayed animal manure prior to planting out. Water in well at planting time and then on an occasional basis to promote growth. A general fertiliser given in spring when new growth emerges will speed the growth. No particular pests or diseases.