The best time to look for white squill in its native central Asia is when its pale blue-white flowers bloom in late winter and early spring. These showy flowers give it plenty of ornamental appeal. This award-winning plant has a low stature, making it well suited for underplanting and rock garden use, but this versatile performer fits well into many types of gardens.Â
I. Appearance and CharacteristicsÂ
Scilla mischtschenkoana, the Mishchenko or Misczenko squill, early squill or white squill, is a perennial plant that is native to the South Caucasus and northern Iran.
Each plant grows from a small bulb, with 2-3 strap shaped leaves. Plants reach 5 to 15 cm (2.0 to 5.9 in) high and approximately 5 cm (2.0 in) wide.
This bulbous perennial features charming racemes of starry ice-blue flowers, about 1 inch wide (2.5 cm), with a dark stripe through each petal. The blooms last as long as 2 months! Specimens that receive what they need often continue to flower year after year in the same location.
S. mischtschenkoana and the cultivar ‘Tubergeniana’ have gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
The whole plant is poisonous. Ingestion may cause severe discomfort. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling.
II. How to Grow and Care
White squill is recognized for its low maintenance requirements, making it an easy-care plant ideal for gardeners of all levels. It thrives in well-draining soil and cooler temperatures, mirroring its natural woodland habitats. Key care points for white squill include ensuring it receives enough light during its growth period and providing thorough waterings while it’s actively growing, followed by a drier dormancy period after blooming. Overwatering during dormancy should be avoided to prevent bulb rot.
Sunlight
White squill thrives in full sun or partial shade. As it leaves out and blooms in the late winter or very early spring, sunlight generally isn’t a concern because most other trees and plants won’t have leafed out yet.
Temperature
White squill is an extremely cold-hardy perennial that can handle winter temperatures as low as -45 ℃. In order to bloom and grow well, it requires a winter cold period and does best in areas where winter temperatures dip down to at least -5 ℃.
Watering
Originating from temperate regions, white squill thrives in moderately moist soil conditions, mirroring its natural preference for consistent yet not excessive moisture. It is drought-resistant to a degree but flourishes when the balance of humidity is maintained. Care should be taken to water white squill every week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. As a bulbous plant that’s often grown outdoors, white squill’s water needs are particularly crucial during its active growing season to ensure robust flowering and vitality.
Soil
White squill prefers well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. Lifting soil with a garden fork and adding 5 to 8 cm of compost can help improve soil fertility and drainage. White squill isn’t picky about pH and will grow in soil that is acidic, neutral, or alkaline.
Fertilizing
For optimal growth, white squill thrives with balanced nutrition fertilizers during its active growth phase, gently supplemented every 4-6 weeks. In preparation for bloom, switch to high phosphorus formulas to bolster flowering. Apply sparingly to avoid root burn and adjust quantities with seasonal changes; less in dormancy. Usage of a well-diluted solution is a must for efficacy and safety. Essential: always follow the specific label rates for white squill.
Planting Instructions
White squill should be planted in mid to late fall. You want its roots to have the chance to get established before the ground freezes, so just after your first frost is a good time to plant. Bulbs should be planted tip-up, 8 to 13 cm deep, and about 8 cm apart. Adding compost to your planting holes can help improve drainage and add fertility to the soil.
White squill can also be forced to bloom indoors at any time of the year. Place bulbs somewhere cold, like your garage or refrigerator, for 10-12 weeks. Then, you can force them in soil or water. To force them in water, you’ll need a dish and pebbles. Bury the bulbs about halfway in the pebbles and fill the dish with water, so that it’s about one-quarter of the way up the bulbs.
To force them in soil, plant bulbs in a container of potting mix so that about 3/4 of the bulbs are covered, with their tips still sticking up. Water them well and keep the soil moist. Both bulbs in water and in soil should then be kept in a location where the temperature is between 10 to 15 ℃ for about one week.
Once the leaves appear, move your white squill to a warmer place in your home that receives as much bright, indirect light as possible. Always keep your bulbs’ roots in the water for those growing in water, and keep the soil moist if you’re growing in soil. You can plant the bulbs outdoors after they’ve finished blooming if desired.
Pruning
White squill requires little maintenance. For white squill growing in your lawn, the plant can be mowed about six weeks after it has bloomed, when the leaves have turned yellow. If you want to prevent your white squill from spreading too much, deadhead old flowers before they have the chance to set seed.
Propagation
White squill is easily multiplied through division, ensuring a swift increase in numbers. After the flowering period, gardeners can gently separate offsets from the parent bulb without harming it. It is critical to maintain an intact root system for each new section to ensure successful establishment once transplanted into well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter. Careful handling and immediate replanting are vital to encourage prompt growth.
Transplanting
The prime moment for relocating white squill aligns with vernal rejuvenation, providing a gentle climate for root establishment. Optimal placement favors dappled sun, with occasional transplanting guidance beneficial to bolster successful acclimation.
III. Uses and BenefitsÂ
White squill is used in borders, containers, underplanting of shrubs or rock gardens.
