Alpine Squill - Scilla bifolia - €8 for 5 bulbs 

Alpine squill flowers early in the spring, and as it usually only grows to a height of only 0.2m,  it rushes to assimilate before larger plants leave it shaded. This makes it a great candidate to grow under deciduous trees where they will complete their bloom cycle before the trees leaf out. It is a tough little plant that thrives in cold climates. Use the bulbs in rock gardens, naturalized areas and as an edging for flower beds and walkways.  To order this plant please contact us [email protected]. 

Context

  • native region:  Europe to Turkey and Syria
  • native habitat: Open woods, roadsides, gardens
  • family: Asparagaceae

Predators and Pests

  • Rarely affected by pests or diseases

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun, partial shade
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral, Alkaline 
  • Hardiness Zone: 5
  • Prefers well drained soil

Known Hazards

  • The whole plant is poisonous

Overview

  • €5 - 10 bulbs 
  • 10 cm x 12 cm plant bag
  • Perennial growing to 0.2 m by 0.2 m.
  • It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender.
  • It is in flower from March to May
  • It is noted for attracting wildlife.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers moist well drained soil
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry moist well drained soil

Characteristics

  • form:Perennial bulb
  • layer :Ground Layer
  • habit: spreading
  • height x width (m): 0.2 x 0.2  

Products 

  • Bulb: Small, egg-shaped, with dark violet shell.
  • Leaves: Leaves are basal and grass-like, and stems  hairless. A plant may have several flowering stems.
  • Flowers : An attractive star shape when open, somewhat bell-shaped when not. Often blue in colour although sometimes white and pink. Attracts bees, including honey bees.

Functions, behaviours

  • Cultivated and valued as a highly ornamental plant, although in the wild can become invasive.
  • It will multiply in the right growing conditions which are moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil.
  • An excellent early source of food for bees.
  • Combines beautifully with other flowering bulbs.
  • Makes an excellent mineral dam.

Polyculture Partners - plants that should grow well with Scilla bifolia  

Picture

    If you would like more information about this polyculture click to here to move over to our blog article. 
    If you would like this plant send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
    Balkan Ecology Project