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Key characteristics

Family: Asparagaceae
Height: 4 to 8 in
Width: 4 to 8 in
Flower color: Pale blue to white star-shaped flowers with darker blue midribs
Foliage color: Medium green, narrow strap-like leaves that rise from the ground before or with flowers
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 3 to 9
Wildlife: Bees and other early-season pollinators

Bulbs

Scilla mischtschenkona

White Squill

Scilla mischtschenkona produces soft, pale blue to white flowers marked with deeper blue midribs along each petal, forming delicate star-shaped blooms. The blossoms are held in small clusters on slender stems above narrow, arching green foliage that emerges in late winter to early spring. Flowers open fully in bright light, creating a gentle wash of color across early spring plantings.

This species originates from the Caucasus region near the Caspian Sea.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate moisture

Bloom time

Early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Under Trees
Woodland Gardens
Rock Gardens

Companion plants

Astilbes · Foxgloves · Bergenias · Sedums · Forget-me-nots · Japanese anemones

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)