Scilla

Scilla has been cultivated for centuries. For current horticultural information, see Squill.

Scilla - Beautiful spring flowers and bulbs, mostly natives of the colder parts of Europe or the Alps, and some precious for our gardens. These all flower in spring, and are of the simplest culture. In early autumn, when the plants are at rest, they should be planted a few inches deep in any good garden soil, not too heavy. They need not be disturbed for years, except, perhaps, for a slight yearly top-dressing of manure. Some kinds, especially the many-colored varieties of the Spanish Scilla, are suited for planting by the sides of woodland walks, or on the margins of shrubberies, and in the wild garden. Offsets may be taken from established clumps during summer. Raising Scillas from seed is interesting, though slow. In some seasons seed is plentiful, and many improvements in size and color have been obtained in this way. We retain the name Scilla as far prettier than the English one of "Squill." The following are best kinds:—

Star Hyacinth (Scilla Amcena) - This flowers in early spring, opening about three weeks after S. sibirica. It is less ornamental than any other kind, for its flowers have none of the grace of S. campanulata and the varieties of S. nutans, nor the dwarfness and brilliancy of S. sibirica. The leaves, usually about half an inch across, are about 1 foot high, and easily injured by cold or wind, so that a sheltered position is necessary. It is not exactly suited for the choice rock garden, though worth a place on sunny banks in semi-wild spots. Tyrol. Seeds or separation of the bulbs.

See Scilla Bifolia

Wood Hyacinth (Scilla Festalis) - Though this abounds in many woods, its good varieties are uncommon. Among the best are—the white variety, alba; the rose-colored variety, rosea; the pale blue variety, coerulea; and a pleasing "French-white" variety. There are now selected large-flowered strains of all these color varieties, mostly distinguished as major or grandiflora. All these kinds should be planted here and there in wood or copse and along the margins of shrubberies. Syn., S. nutans.

Spanish Scilla (Scilla Hispanica) - One of the finest of early summer flowers, and one of the most robust of the family. It is easily known by its strong pyramidal raceme of pendent, short-stalked, large, bell-shaped flowers, usually of a clear light blue. A variety major is larger in all its parts, and is a noble flower; still larger is a new form, Excelsior, with large deep-blue bells, and Skyblue, with flowers of a paler shade. S. hispanica is never better seen than in the fringes of shrubberies. The shelter so received protects its large leaves from strong winds. It deserves to be naturalised by wood-walks and in the grassy parts of the pleasure ground. S. Europe.

Italian Scilla (Scilla Italica) - This kind, with its pale blue flowers, intensely blue stamens, and delicious odour, is one of the best of the Scillas. It grows from 5 to 10 inches high, the flowers small and spreading in short conical racemes, which open in May. It is hardy, thriving best in warm soils. Divide and replant in fresh positions every three or four years, not oftener. It is easily naturalised in meadow grass. S. Europe.

Siberian Scilla (Scilla Sibirica) - A noble spring flower essential in every garden where spring flowers are cared for. It grows freely in ordinary soils, and is hardy. Asia Minor.

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