Scilla peruviana

A semi-evergreen, clump-forming, bulb which is nearly evergreen growing to 0.5m tall and 0.5m wide.

This striking small bulb produces big conical heads of many star-shaped bright blue flowers in early spring. Leaves are bright green and lance-shaped and are held flat to the ground while the flowers are held erect so are easy to see through the leaves. A white form is occasionally available.

Prefers full sun to partial shade in moist but well-drained soil.

This plant can be found for sale either as a plant or a dry bulb. Always choose healthy, well-grown plants and plant after autumn rains. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic-based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins.

Apply an organic mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. Spent flowers can be carefully removed with snips or secateurs or can be left on the plant to produce seed. If seed is left on the plant then they often self-seed out if the garden soil is good. Alternatively, large bulbs can be dug up and removed from the main clump and re-planted easily after flowering. Leaves often die down partially after flowering but tend to produce new ones soon after. In cooler areas, leaves may die down altogether.

Beneficial insects and pollinators love the flowers.

Slugs and snails love the new leaves as they emerge.

Rock Garden