Over time, Scilla forms a carpet of nodding early spring flowers.
The leaves seem to emerge overnight in early spring.
The flowers provide a welcome early-season nectar source for bees.
Squill is toxic to humans.
For the most eye-pleasing effect, plant squill in drifts of no fewer than 100 bulbs.
Plant bulbs along walkways, interspersed with perennials, and in herb orrock gardens.
Plant squill bulbs with the pointed growing tip facing upward.
Plant bulbs so the base of the bulb sits 5 inches deep in the soil.
Space bulbs 2 inches apart, or plant 20 bulbs per square foot.
Water the bulbs after planting and again in late fall if there is no rain.
Soil and Water
The soil should be well-drained, with apH around 7.0.
Sandy loam is ideal.
On the other hand, summers above Zone 8 are too hot and winters too mild to grow them.
Fertilizer
There is usually no need to fertilize squill.
At the most, apply a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus bulb orgranular fertilizerwhen the foliage emerges.
Leave the foliage in place until it begins to turn yellow and wither.
If you planted squill in an area that you typically mow, delay the first mowing of the season.
Pests and Problems
Squill is free of serious pests or diseases.
Deer and rodents show no interest in it.
The common method to propagate squill is by division when the patches get too crowded.
Use a shovel to dig up the bulbs.
Types of Squill
Scilla siberica Spring Beauty
This cultivar isthe most popular squill.
It is slightly larger than the species, longer blooming, and the flowers are deeper blue.
Large sections of the petite, ground-hugging flowers planted beneath deciduous trees create a spectacular sight.
Zone 3-8
Creeping Phlox
Phlox subulatais a low-mounding variety ofphloxthat is covered with bright flowers in spring.
It forms short, thick cushions of finely textured, stiff foliage.
Daffodils are sturdy plants that bounce back even after late snow showers.
when you obtain planted daffodils, they’ll return year after year and even multiply with minimal care.
With its rapid spread, it has the potential to outcompete native species.
It was introduced to North America as an ornamental in the late 1700s.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
“Scilla.”
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
