Family
Asparagaceae
Description
Siberian squill (Scilla siberica) is a diminutive, cold-hardy bulb native to southwestern Russia, the Caucasus, and Turkey. Among the earliest bloomers in temperate gardens, it produces vivid blue, nodding flowers that naturalize readily in lawns, woodland edges, and under deciduous trees. Valued for its ability to thrive in compacted or rocky soils, it spreads by seed and bulb offsets, forming striking early-spring carpets before most perennials emerge. Although charming in cultivated settings, its aggressive naturalization in some regions of the northeastern U.S. has raised concerns about the displacement of native ephemerals.
Hardy in USDA Zones 2–8, Scilla siberica prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It enters dormancy shortly after flowering, making it compatible with summer-growing perennials and turfgrass. Its resilience and striking color make it a common choice for mass planting in spring bulb displays.
Bloom Time
March to April