Plant during the recommended period shown in the variety’s specifications. If you cannot plant straight away, store them somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated.
If you’re looking for something easy to fill a spring-spring planting space, then good old Scilla won’t let you down. Also known as white Siberian Squill, this tough little cookie is a real winner when it comes to reliability and resilience. Originating from the harsh, chilly areas surrounding the Black Sea, Scilla siberica ‘Alba’ finds the much milder UK climate highly liberating, which results in it being a fantastic naturalising plant. They’re ideal for growing under trees, running in drifts through borders or for growing in pots – either way, they’ll produce glorious flurries of snowy-white flowers during mid spring every year.
Flowering from March to May, Scilla siberica ‘Alba’, is the perfect bulb to plant where there are also snowdrops in a natural, woodland planting scheme. Once the snowdrops begin to fade in early spring, the scillas can then take over to extend the season of interest, continuing the snowy carpet for another couple of months! It grows well and looks divine when planted under trees. Plant the bulbs in handfuls and enjoy the naturalistic swathes of glistening flowers.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Check whether your varieties prefer sun or shade, then choose a sheltered position in well-drained soil or a suitable pot or container.
Remove weeds and loosen compacted soil. Improve heavy ground with organic matter and horticultural grit. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost and ensure good drainage.
Plant at the depth recommended for each variety, as their requirements differ. Position shoots or pointed ends upwards. If the correct direction is unclear, plant them on their sides.
Follow the recommended spacing for each variety. Planting in clusters or informal drifts creates a natural display, but avoid placing them directly against one another.
Water after planting if the soil is dry. Keep containers lightly moist but never waterlogged. After flowering, allow foliage to yellow naturally before removing it.
- Botanical name
- Scilla siberica Alba
- Flower colour
- White
- Bulb size
- 8/9
- Established height
- 10-20cm
- Established spread
- 5-10cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 100 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Stony
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Borders
Meadows
lawns
Gravel gardens
Wildlife gardens
Woodland gardens
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Full shade
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
-
Harmful if eaten
Skin/eyes irritant - Years to establish
- 1st year
Scilla 'Alba' reviews
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Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.