Alongside snowdrops, squills are among the plants that flower first thing in the new year.
The blue, star-shaped flowers can be found along the way and in meadows as early as February. In addition to the native species of squill (Scilla), you can also keep other species in the garden as an ornamental plant.
Squill: flowering time and characteristics
The squill (Scilla) is a genus of plants that, as a geophyte, develops its survival organs in the soil in the form of bulbs. Squills are found in Asia and Europe. In southern and southeastern Germany, the two-leaved squill (Scilla bifolia) usually thrives near rivers, in wet areas such as alluvial forests. These native occurrences of the squill are protected.
The genus Scilla includes a total of about 83 species, including the star hyacinth, for example. The herbaceous plants, up to 50 cm high, have basal leaves and leafless stems with star-shaped flowers at the end.
Tip: Luckily, squill bulbs are of no interest to voles.
In early spring, as one of the first heralds of spring, the squill sprout and its leaves sprout from the earth. The flowering period of the squill, which you can find in our garden, follows shortly thereafter and extends from February to April. The squill is therefore an early bloomer. But there are also species that bloom later in the year. The pretty flowers are mostly blue, sometimes purple or white. The decorative early bloomers can also be found under the name Blausternchen or Szilla. After flowering, the squill sheds its leaves in the summer and sprout again the following spring.
When does the squill bloom? Depending on the species, the squill blooms between February and September. Our native bifoliate squill (Scilla bifolia) blooms from about February to April, just after the snowdrops (Galanthus).
The most beautiful species and varieties
At theWith so many Scilla varieties it can be hard to choose. Here we present the most beautiful and popular squill varieties and species.
Squill (Scilla bifolia): This native wild plant is not only suitable for the garden. They can also be found in parks and by the wayside when the erect, star-shaped, blue flowers show up in spring. Despite the small height of 10 cm, this native squill has a high value for pollinators. The species tolerates lime, is quite competitive and grows on moist, fresh, nutrient-rich soil on partially shaded forest edges.
- 'Alba': Forms flowers in white.
- 'Rosea': Has pink flowers.
Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica): This species is also a popular garden plant, reaching heights of about 10 cm. The flowers are blue with a blue central stripe on the petal. The shape is rather bell-shaped and the flowers sit nodding on the stems. Like the two-leaved squill, this species is competitive and loves lime. It grows particularly well on heavy, clay-rich soil and in light semi-shade.
- 'Spring Beauty': Taller and stronger growing variety with even deeper blue flowers.
- 'Alba': Flowers white.
- 'Grace Lofthouse': Rare purple-blue variety.
Mischtschenko Squill (Scilla mischtschenkoana): This species grows to about 20cm high and is the largest species of squill for the garden . The Mishchenko squill flowers white and not blue. Since it occurs naturally in mountains, it is more suited to slightly more drained, drier soils that are in full sun or part shade. Also known as Russian Squill or Caucasian Squill.
- 'Zwanenburg': With light blue flowers.
Tip: The Peruvian squill (Scilla peruviana) has many small, purple flowers arranged in a capitate inflorescence. This species, which originates from the Mediterranean region, is only used as an ornamental plant in warm regions. Unlike the other varieties, the evergreen Peruvian squill is nothardy. The heat-loving plant must be overwintered at at least 5 °C and has its flowering period from May to June. The species should be fertilized and watered regularly during the growing season and needs a light location.
Planting Scilla: location and procedure
Before planting the squill, it is important to find a location that suits the requirements of the early bloomer. The squill does need light, but due to the early flowering period, it can also be placed under deciduous trees, as these do not yet have any leaves at the time of flowering. A suitable spot is light or semi-shade and soil preferences will depend on the species - the list of species and varieties above will give you an idea of your squill's needs.
Squills are planted in autumn, between September and November.
Planting in clusters or small groups of at least 5 to 20 bulbs later gives an attractive overall picture. Since squills do not grow large, a distance of about 10 cm between the bulbs is sufficient, which corresponds to about 100 plants per square meter.
Tip: If you are patient, you can plant fewer plants per square metre. The squill forms a self-contained population at suitable locations.
In the autumn between October and November, the bulbs are planted about 8 cm deep in the ground with the tip upwards. Then everything is covered with substrate and lightly watered.
In January there are also squill bulbs that have already been planted. These are suitable for keeping in a pot, for example on the sheltered balcony or in the apartment. For planting in pots, it is best to use a humus-rich substrate, such as our Plantura organic potting soil. The high humus content and the nutrients it contains as well as the loose structure ensure the best growth conditions. After flowering, the squill draws back its leaves. The bulbs can be planted outside in autumn or overwintered in a pot in a cool, frost-free place, after which they will sprout again the following year. If you bring the squill indoors in December or January, water it and fertilize it, you can enjoy the blue splendor that is springing up again particularly early.
Tip: The two-leaf squill is very prone to spreading and over time forms wonderful, blue carpets of flowers. It can therefore also be planted well in the lawn.
The right care
Squills are one of the undemanding garden plants. Restricted to Bluestarcare for the soil preparation during planting and an evenly moist soil. Watering is especially important from planting until the end of the flowering period, when the foliage is withdrawn. This allows the squill bulbs to sprout again next year. However, it must not get wet, otherwise the onion will soon suffer from rotting agents.
Tip: The foliage should never be cut or mowed, as it is important for the further care of the bulb and thus for the flowering next year.
Fertilization is usually not necessary. On poorer soils, a little slow-release fertilizer can be worked into the soil for supply in the spring. Apply a fertilizer for flowering plants, for example our Plantura organic flower fertilizer, in spring as soon as the leaves begin to sprout. Our organic fertilizer lasts up to three months and is safe for pets and garden animals. This gives the squill enough nutrients for a magnificent flowering period.
The squill is usually hardy. The bulbs even need the cool temperatures to sprout in spring. Cold weather with temperatures down to - 23 °C does not bother the squill.
Hint: The squill spreads via seeds. The individual seeds have appendages, the eleiosomes, which are sought after by ants because of their fat content. These carry the seeds to their burrow, which helps spread the squill.
Is squill poisonous?
The squill is poisonous and should not be consumed. This applies not only to humans, but also to pets such as dogs or cats. The juice it contains can already cause irritation on skin contact.
It's not just squills and snowdrops that bloom in early spring. We have put together an overview of the 15 most popular early bloomers for you.