Code:562
These are excellent for naturalising in moist but well-drained soil
Family: Asparagaceae
Common name: Striped Squill
Plant Classification: Hardy bulb Hardy perennial
Maximum Height: 15 cm
Packet Content(approx.): 15
This dwarf bulbous perennial has erect narrowly strap-shaped basal leaves, with racemes of star-shaped, pale blue flowers, each petal (or more correctly, tepal) with a darker blue central stripe. These are excellent for naturalising in moist but well-drained soil. Sometimes called striped squills, Puschkinia scilloides var. libanotica is a spring-flowering bulb, bearing fine, silvery blue blooms. Originating in the eastern Mediterranean, it thrives in moist conditions in spring while growing, but warm, dry conditions in summer, which ripen the bulbs.It’s ideal for growing in a rock garden or naturalising beaneath a tree or shrub, as long as it gets a good deal of sunshine.
Grow Puschkinia scilloides var. libanotica in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. If naturalising in grass, avoid mowing the lawn until June. Propagate by division in autumn.
Sowing advice:
Sow seeds at any time covering them with compost or grit 5mm deep, keeping the seed pot in a cool, well-lit spot outdoors. Artificial heat is not needed and can prevent germination so be very patient as many species will only germinate in the spring after chilling or freezing in the moist seed tray in the winter. Grow on individual seedlings in small pots until of sufficient size to be potted on or planted out into the open ground.
Garden Uses:
Best naturalized in drifts in rock gardens, along walkways, in open woodland areas, meadows or in front of shrubs or under deciduous trees. Mixes well with other spring-flowering bulbs.
