Scilla Siberica Bulb Plants, or "Siberian Squill"

Plant taxonomy classifies Siberian squill as Scilla siberica. This is a case where the scientific name is better-known than the common name, so I use the former in the entries below.

Scilla siberica is a bulb plant.

Like tulips, snowdrops, crocuses, hyacinths, grape hyacinths, daffodils, etc., Scilla siberica bulb plants brighten our yards with spring flowers. The stems of Scilla siberica bear blooms while still on the short side. In a flag-raising ceremony conducted by Mother Nature herself, as the stem pushes up to its mature height (about 8"), the bloom is hoisted aloft. Scilla siberica bulb plants (see picture at right) bear tiny, nodding, blue, star-like flowers.

Scilla siberica tolerates dry conditions in summer, although they do require moisture during the growing season. But the latter is rarely a limiting factor in many regions, where spring (the growing season for Scilla siberica) is quite wet. Scilla siberica needs some sun, but this is another requirement easily met. Since the plant does, after all, bloom in spring, it won't be shaded even if planted under deciduous trees. By the time such areas become shaded, the bulb will have already flowered.

Scilla siberica grows best in planting zones 3-8.

Scilla siberica is a bulb plant. Plant the bulbs for Scilla siberica flowers in fall. Scilla siberica is a small plant, so their bulbs must be planted closely together (2"-3") for a showy spring display. The idea is to have a blanket of Scilla siberica to cover an area, replacing winter's blanket of snow! Do not remove foliage until it has turned yellow, so that your Scilla siberica bulb plants have a chance to store nutrients for next year.

While many plants perform poorly if planted under trees, Scilla siberica bulb plants will grow well under deciduous trees, due to their early blooming period (see above, "Sun and Soil Requirements for Scilla Siberica"). Because Scilla siberica is a small plant, it can also be effective in rock gardens.

Scilla siberica naturalizes well, making it suitable for woodland gardens. It is also deer-resistant.


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