A popular spring-flowering bulbous perennial, grown for its dainty starry flowers, borne above rich green grassy foliage.
Family: Asparagaceae
Botanical Name: Chionodoxa (syn. Scilla)
Common Names: Glory-of-the-snow,
squill
Foliage: Deciduous short green strap-like
narrow basal leaves.
Flowers: Short racemes of blue to
lilac, white-centred, star shaped flowers.
Flowering Period: March to May (depending
on variety).
Soil: Moist but well-drained soil
(chalk, clay, sand or loam). Any
pH.
Conditions: Sunny open position. Can be grown in any aspect.
Habit: Tufted.
Type: Bulbous perennial.
Origin: Eastern Mediterranean and
Asia Minor (Cypress, Turkey). From the high
alpine zones where the snow melts in spring.
Hardiness: Fully hardy in most regions
of the UK.
Plant bulbs in the early autumn (September), in a moist but well-drained soil. Depth 3in (8cm), spacing 4in (10cm). Plant in full sun or very light shade.
Suitable for under planting deciduous trees and shrubs, rock gardens and containers. Looks best when planted in large drifts or naturalised in the the border.
Lift and divide at the end of spring when the bulbs become crowded. Replant at once.
No pruning necessary. Dead head once flowers have faded.
Propagate by offsets or from ripe seed sown in August, under the protection of a cold frame.
Chionodoxa forbesii has short strap-shaped leaves with small, upward-facing, pale blue starry flowers. Height to 6in (15cm).
Chionodoxa gigantea has largish lilac blue flowers with a small white center. The form 'Alba' is pure white. Height to 6in (15cm).
Chionodoxa luciliae has pale blue stars with a prominent white centre. Good varieties include 'Rosea' (pink), 'Zwanenburg' (bright blue) and 'Pink Giant' (extra-large pink flowers). Height to 6in (15cm).
Chionodoxa sardensis bears deep blue flowers with a small white eye, in March-May. Height 4in (10cm).