Siberian squill Scilla siberica
Siberian squill (Scilla siberica) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Asparagaceae family, native to Southern Russia, the Caucasus and northern Iran (not Siberia, despite the name). It grows 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall and 5–8 cm (2–3 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -38 °C (-36 °F). Space plants about 7 cm (3 in) apart.
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Siberian squill 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 | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -38 °C (-36 °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 | Southern Russia, the Caucasus and northern Iran (not Siberia, despite the name) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇸🇪 Sweden |
| Invasive in | parts of the US Midwest and north-east (spreading into woodland): check local rules before planting |
Is Siberian squill toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: bulbs
The bulbs contain cardiac glycosides and other compounds: harmful if eaten.
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 Siberian squill
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Siberian squill
- How far apart should I plant Siberian squill?
- About 7 cm (3 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 cm (2–3 in).
- Does Siberian squill need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Siberian squill need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Siberian squill?
- It tolerates about -38 °C (-36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Siberian squill flower?
- From about March for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Siberian squill poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. The bulbs contain cardiac glycosides and other compounds: harmful if eaten.
- What grows well with Siberian squill?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Siberian squill. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) 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
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
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.
- Nodding, intense prussian-blue bells in early spring that spread into blue carpets under trees. Seeds itself so freely that in some North American woods it is now considered invasive.
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