87 Species of Genus Scilla

Scilla: A Gardener’s Delight

I’ve always been drawn to the delicate beauty of Scilla, those small but vibrant bulbous perennials that herald the arrival of spring. Their cheerful blooms, often in shades of blue, purple, and white, emerge from the earth like tiny stars, adding a touch of magic to any garden. As an avid gardener, I’ve spent countless hours cultivating these charming plants, and I’m eager to share my knowledge and passion for this fascinating genus.

What is Scilla?

Scilla, sometimes called squill, belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is native to woodlands, meadows, and coastal regions throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. These hardy plants are well-suited to a variety of climates and soil conditions, making them a popular choice for gardeners of all skill levels. They typically bloom in early to mid-spring, providing a welcome burst of color after the long winter months.

A Diverse Genus

The Scilla genus encompasses a wide range of species, each with its own unique characteristics and charm:

  1. Scilla achtenii De Wild.
  2. Scilla africana Borzì & Mattei
  3. Scilla albanica Turrill
  4. Scilla albinervis Yıldırım & Gemici
  5. Scilla alinihatiana Aslan & Yıldırım
  6. Scilla amoena L.
  7. Scilla andria Speta
  8. Scilla antunesii Engl.
  9. Scilla arenaria Baker
  10. Scilla arsusiana Yıldırım & Gemici
  11. Scilla begoniifolia A.Chev.
  12. Scilla benguellensis Baker
  13. Scilla bifolia L.
  14. Scilla bilgineri Yıldırım
  15. Scilla bithynica Boiss.
  16. Scilla buchananii Baker
  17. Scilla buekkensis Speta
  18. Scilla bussei Dammer
  19. Scilla chlorantha Baker
  20. Scilla ciliata Baker
  21. Scilla cilicica Siehe
  22. Scilla congesta Baker
  23. Scilla cretica (Boiss. & Heldr.) Speta
  24. Scilla cydonia Speta
  25. Scilla dimartinoi Brullo & Pavone
  26. Scilla dualaensis Poelln.
  27. Scilla engleri T.Durand & Schinz
  28. Scilla flaccidula Baker
  29. Scilla forbesii (Baker) Speta
  30. Scilla gabunensis Baker
  31. Scilla gracillima Engl.
  32. Scilla hakkariensis Firat & Yıldırım
  33. Scilla hildebrandtii Baker
  34. Scilla huanica Poelln.
  35. Scilla hyacinthoides L.
  36. Scilla ingridiae Speta
  37. Scilla jaegeri K.Krause
  38. Scilla katendensis De Wild.
  39. Scilla kladnii Schur
  40. Scilla kurdistanica Speta
  41. Scilla lakusicii Å ilic
  42. Scilla laxiflora Baker
  43. Scilla ledienii Engl.
  44. Scilla leepii Speta
  45. Scilla libanotica Speta
  46. Scilla lilio-hyacinthus L.
  47. Scilla litardierei Breistr.
  48. Scilla lochiae (Meikle) Speta
  49. Scilla longistylosa Speta
  50. Scilla luciliae (Boiss.) Speta
  51. Scilla lucis Speta
  52. Scilla melaina Speta
  53. Scilla merinoi S.Ortiz, Rodr.Oubiña & Izco
  54. Scilla mesopotamica Speta
  55. Scilla messeniaca Boiss.
  56. Scilla mischtschenkoana Grossh.
  57. Scilla monanthos K.Koch
  58. Scilla monophyllos Link
  59. Scilla morrisii Meikle
  60. Scilla nana (Schult. & Schult.f.) Speta
  61. Scilla nivalis Boiss.
  62. Scilla oubangluensis Hua
  63. Scilla paui Lacaita
  64. Scilla peruviana L.
  65. Scilla platyphylla Baker
  66. Scilla pleiophylla Speta
  67. Scilla pneumonanthe Speta
  68. Scilla reuteri Speta
  69. Scilla rosenii K.Koch
  70. Scilla sardensis (Whittall ex Barr & Sugden) Speta
  71. Scilla schweinfurthii Engl.
  72. Scilla siberica Andrews
  73. Scilla sicula Tineo
  74. Scilla simiarum Baker
  75. Scilla sodalicia N.E.Br.
  76. Scilla subnivalis (Halácsy) Speta
  77. Scilla tayloriana Rendle
  78. Scilla textilis Rendle
  79. Scilla uyuiensis Rendle.
  80. Scilla vardariana Yıldırım & Gemici
  81. Scilla verdickii De Wild.
  82. Scilla verna Huds.
  83. Scilla villosa Desf.
  84. Scilla vindobonensis Speta
  85. Scilla voethorum Speta
  86. Scilla welwitschii Poelln.
  87. Scilla werneri De Wild.

Cultivating Scilla

One of the things I love most about Scilla is their ease of cultivation. These resilient plants require minimal care and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are a few tips for growing Scilla successfully:

  • Planting: Plant Scilla bulbs in the fall, about 5-10 cm deep and 5-10 cm apart. Choose a location with well-drained soil and partial to full sun.
  • Watering: Water regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to bulb rot.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
  • Maintenance: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding.

With just a little effort, you can enjoy a stunning display of Scilla blooms year after year.

The Allure of Scilla

For me, the appeal of Scilla lies not only in their beauty but also in their resilience and adaptability. These plants are tough, able to withstand harsh winters and emerge triumphantly each spring. They remind me that even in the face of adversity, life finds a way to bloom.

I also appreciate the versatility of Scilla. They can be planted in a variety of settings, from rock gardens and borders to woodland areas and lawns. They look stunning when planted in mass, creating a carpet of color that is simply breathtaking.

Scilla in My Garden

In my own garden, I’ve incorporated Scilla in a variety of ways. I have a large drift of Siberian Squill naturalized under a deciduous tree, where they create a sea of blue in early spring. I’ve also planted them along a pathway, where their delicate blooms add a touch of whimsy to my daily walks.

One of my favorite combinations is planting Scilla with other early-blooming bulbs, such as snowdrops and crocuses. The different colors and textures create a tapestry of spring beauty that is truly captivating.

A Symbol of Hope

Scilla, with its vibrant blooms and tenacious spirit, has become a symbol of hope and renewal for me. It reminds me that even after the darkest winter, spring will always return, bringing with it new life and beauty.

I encourage everyone to experience the joy of growing Scilla. These charming plants are sure to bring a touch of magic to your garden and a smile to your face.

Scroll to Top