Siberian squill
scilla bifolia
Also known as: ["Siberian squill","spring squill"]
Overview
A small, bulbous perennial with blue flowers, native to Europe and Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","cold hardy","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Genus: | Scilla |
| Botanical Name: | Scilla bifolia |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, woodland edges, or shaded garden beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed after flowering; remove yellowing leaves in autumn.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; no heavy cutting required.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in filtered light outdoors; protect from intense midday sun.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in dormant periods.
Soil
well-drained, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a bulb-specific mix; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); thrives in cooler spring conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent cool temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Reduce feeding in dormancy; apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or offsets; occasionally by seed.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate offsets from parent bulb.
- Plant at the same depth as the parent.
- Water gently.
- Provide indirect light.
Best Time: After flowering, when bulbs are mature and offsets are visible.
Environment
Cool, humid conditions with indirect light; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-draining bulb mix or sand and peat mixture.
Hormone
Not typically required for bulb division.
Timeline
Offsets may take 1–2 years to mature; seeds take 2–3 years to flower.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, small pots, bulb mix.
Quick Tips
Handle bulbs carefully to avoid damage; plant offsets immediately after division; water sparingly until established.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off faded flower stalks at the base; trim dead or damaged leaves.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing spent flowers and dead foliage to encourage bulb health.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Check for dead foliage; remove spent flowers; sanitize tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early autumn, after foliage dies back.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger with adequate drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; replant at the same depth in fresh, well-draining mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 2–3 years; best when dormant.
Checklist
Check bulb health; refresh soil; ensure proper depth; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or dormancy in excessive cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may enter dormancy; prolonged cold can damage roots or cause rot.
Solution: Provide winter protection in cold climates; ensure good drainage to prevent cold-related rot; move indoors if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow or stop in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; stop in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicScilla bifolia is toxic to cats due to its cardiac glycoside content. Ingestion can result in significant cardiovascular and gastrointestinal distress, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe cardiac glycosides in Scilla bifolia can cause severe toxicity in dogs, affecting their heart rate and rhythm. The toxins can lead to systemic effects, including gastrointestinal and neurological disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicScilla bifolia contains cardiac glycosides, which can disrupt heart function and electrolyte balance. Ingestion can lead to serious physiological effects, particularly affecting the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Scilla bifolia toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How should I care for Scilla bifolia?
A: Plant bulbs in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; water moderately during growth and allow to dry in dormancy.
Q: Does Scilla bifolia attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and other pollinators with its early spring flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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