Family: Hyacinthaceae
Common Name: Squill

There are about 90 species in this genus of bulbous plants, native to Europe and temperate parts of Africa and Asia. They are rather like hyacinths, bearing spikes of either single or clustered flowers.

Species

S. bifolia, zone 6, grows to 15 cm (6 in) high, with blue, star-shaped flowers, sometimes white, in early spring. It is good for mass planting in cool temperate climates.

S. mischtschenkoana (Synonym: S. tubergeniana), zone 6, to only 10 cm (4 in) high, has pale blue, almost white flowers, with darker central markings, in late winter to early spring.

S. peruviana, Cuban lily or hyacinth of Peru, zone 8, is in fact native to the Mediterranean. Growing to 25 cm (10 in), it has rounded clusters of deep mauve flowers, from late spring to early summer. The strap-like foliage is a glossy olive to dark green. This species prefers a warm temperate climate.

S. siberica, zone 5, Siberian squill, grows to 20 cm (8 in), producing loose clusters of bright blue flowers in early spring. Cultivars of this species are available.

Cultivation

These bulbs make a pretty display under deciduous trees or in rock gardens. Easily grown in almost any soil, in cool climates, they tolerate sun or semi-shade and can be left in the ground for several years. Propagate by dividing clumps or from offsets when dormant, or from seed sown when ripe in a garden frame. Plants grown from seed may not flower for up to five years.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.