Alpine Squill
Scilla bifolia
Also known as
Early Spring Squill, Squill
Scilla bifolia 070406a by Bernd Haynold (CC BY 2.5)
Full Sun
Light watering
Frost Hardy
H6
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 10cm |
10cm | Min | 1cm |
3 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
More images of Alpine Squill
Alpine Squill Overview
Scilla bifolia is a bulbous perennial species in the Asparagaceae family of flowering plants. Common names include early spring squill and alpine squill, this deciduous plant typically grows to around 15cm tall. Flowers are starry, 6-petalled and violet-blue in colour, these measure approximately 2cm across and they are produced early in spring. The flowers are arranged on upright stems, between 2-10 are produced on branched structures known as panicles. These are stems where each individual flower has its own stalk. Flowers nearer the base are older and new flowers are produced from the growing tip at the top. Foliage is arranged in pairs, appearing from the base of the plant, leaves are straight and grass-like. This plant has earnt a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit, it has a tufted habit and grows well in partial and full sunlight. This species is hardy down to -20 degrees Celsius, plant in moist and well-draining soil for optimal growth.
How to propagate Alpine Squill
Division
Separate offsets when dormant.
Seed
Special features of Alpine Squill
Attractive flowers
Other uses of Alpine Squill
Well suited to placement in a rock garden or alpine house.