Scilla siberica aka Siberian Squill

Scilla siberica, or Siberian squill, is a small perennial bulb. It belongs to the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. Its native range runs from Crimea to northwestern Iran. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The plant grows upright and forms small clumps. Its leaves die back in summer, leaving the bulb underground.

Garden plants reach about 0.5–0.7 feet [0.15–0.2 metres] tall. The RHS also lists a broad height band reaching 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Each plant spreads about 0.3–0.5 feet [0.1–0.15 metres]. Each bulb makes three or four narrow, green leaves. These can reach about 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] long. Slender flower stems may have a purple tint. Several stems rise from each bulb in early spring. Flowers bloom in March and April, though timing varies by site. The blue blooms nod downward and have six petal-like parts. A darker stripe runs down each part. The anthers are blue, too. Sources describe one to five flowers on each stem.

Grow this bulb in full sun or partial shade. It needs soil that drains well and a moderate water supply. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Suitable soil types include chalk, loam, and sand. Plant bulbs in autumn for spring flowers. Missouri Botanical Garden gives USDA zones 2–8; RHS rates it H6. NC State reports injury below 14°F, conflicting with those hardiness ratings. The plant needs little upkeep and no pruning. Grow new plants from ripe seed or remove offsets in summer.

Use it in rock gardens, border fronts, and beneath shrubs. It also suits woodland gardens, grass, and gravel beds. Grouped bulbs create broad patches of spring blue. The flowers can be cut for indoor use. Birds and butterflies visit the plant, and deer tend to avoid it. Bulb offsets and seed help colonies spread beyond their planting site. Chicago Botanic Garden warns against planting beside native habitats.

Pests cause few problems, though narcissus bulb fly can attack. Crown rot can cause serious damage. Anther smut and viral disease may also occur. This plant is toxic to people and pets, not edible. NC State lists flowers, fruit, leaves, roots, stems, and sap as poisonous. Eating it can cause vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, and a slowed heartbeat. Severe poisoning may be fatal. Sap can irritate skin; wear gloves when handling the plant.