Glory of the snow (chionodoxa) Scilla luciliae
Glory of the snow (chionodoxa) (Scilla luciliae) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Asparagaceae family, native to Mountains of western Turkey, flowering as the snow melts. It grows 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall and 5–8 cm (2–3 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 7 cm (3 in) apart.
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Glory of the snow (chionodoxa) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 10–15 cm (4–6 in) |
| Mature spread | 5–8 cm (2–3 in) |
| Spacing | 7 cm (3 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mountains of western Turkey, flowering as the snow melts |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇹🇷 Turkey |
Is Glory of the snow (chionodoxa) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: bulbs
Harmful if eaten, like other squills.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Glory of the snow (chionodoxa)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Glory of the snow (chionodoxa)
- How far apart should I plant Glory of the snow (chionodoxa)?
- About 7 cm (3 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 cm (2–3 in).
- Does Glory of the snow (chionodoxa) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Glory of the snow (chionodoxa) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Glory of the snow (chionodoxa)?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Glory of the snow (chionodoxa) flower?
- From about March for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Glory of the snow (chionodoxa) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Harmful if eaten, like other squills.
- What grows well with Glory of the snow (chionodoxa)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Glory of the snow (chionodoxa). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A small spring bulb: plant in autumn, about three times its own depth, under deciduous trees, in grass or in pots; let the leaves die down naturally after flowering so the bulb can feed for next year.
- Upward-facing, starry blue flowers with a white centre in early spring, several to a stem. Long known as Chionodoxa luciliae (the name means “glory of the snow”); now included in Scilla. Spreads into drifts.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana