alpine squill

Also known as: early spring squill

S. bifolia is a bulbous perennial to 15cm in height, with narrow, paired basal leaves and erect stems bearing racemes of 2-10 star-shaped violet-blue flowers about 20mm in width in early spring

Scientific classification

Species: alpine squill (Scilla bifolia)
Genus: Scilla
Family: Asparagaceae

Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Bulbs
Plant type: 0.1-0.5 metres
Height: 0-0.1 metre
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Tufted
Habit: Spring
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

alpine squill pictures

Distribution of alpine squill

Distribution map

Plant distribution

Native
Introduced
Cultivated

Source：WCVP v16 · Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew · CC BY 3.0 · Boundaries：WGSRPD / TDWG

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of alpine squill

Information to be completed

alpine squill care guide

Moist soil during active growth, then reduce watering after foliage yellows
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moist soil during active growth, then reduce watering after foliage yellows

Fertilizing

Light bulb fertilizer at emergence and again after flowering

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame when ripe, keep shaded and do not allow to dry out. Alternatively remove offsets in summer. See bulb propagation

Growing

Ideal for naturalising in grass or a gravel garden in full sun and a well-drained soil. Plant bulbs two to three times their depth. Please see bulb cultivation page

More growing and care information →