Northwest Blooms · Bulbs
Scilla luciliae
Lucile's Glory of the Snow
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Height
- 6 to 10 in
- Width
- 6 to 10 in
- Flower color
- Star-shaped light blue to lavender flowers with a white center
- Foliage color
- Medium to bright green, narrow strap-like leaves that form a low groundcover
- Bloom time
- Early spring
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate moisture
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent flowers to tidy appearance, allow foliage to die back naturally after bloom, divide bulbs when clumps become crowded
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 9
- Wildlife
- Bees and other early-season pollinators
About this plant
Scilla luciliae bears upward-facing, star-shaped flowers in clear blue shades, each petal highlighted by a crisp white center. The blossoms appear in loose clusters atop slender stems, rising above narrow, grasslike green foliage that emerges early in the season. Flowers open wide on sunny days, creating bright patches of color close to the ground.
Blooming in early spring, this species originates from mountainous regions of western Turkey. It performs well when planted in drifts beneath deciduous trees, along garden edges, and in open lawns, where it naturalizes gently and provides dependable early-season interest.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Under Trees · Woodland Gardens · Rock Gardens
Companion plants
Heucheras · Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Tulips · Astilbes · Foxgloves
Design tip
The early flowers arrive when the garden is still waking up, so give it a spot you pass often in spring. Plant in generous groups rather than single spots, and set them among perennials whose new growth covers the fading foliage.
