Alpine squill

Description

The alpine squill is a small herbaceous perennial bulb of the asparagus family, 10-20 centimetres tall. From each bulb come just two narrow, strap-shaped leaves and a short stem bearing a small cluster of star-shaped flowers, an intense blue-violet, more rarely white or pink. It is among the first flowers to appear, often as early as late winter.

Habitat and distribution

It is native to central and southern Europe and western Asia. It grows wild in cool, shady woods, clearings and mountain meadows, from the lowlands to two thousand metres, where it makes the most of spring light before the trees come into leaf.

Cultivation

It is a very easy, hardy bulb, ideal for woodland gardens, borders and shady corners. It wants part shade and a cool, humus-rich, well-drained soil. The bulbs are planted in autumn; after flowering the plant enters summer dormancy. It naturalises easily, forming blue carpets over time.

• Plant the bulbs in autumn, a few centimetres deep
• Let the foliage die down after flowering
• Do not disturb the bulbs once established

Facts and cautions

Its early flowering makes it a valuable nectar source for the first bees. Like many bulbs, the bulb is toxic if eaten, so it should be grown with care where there are children and pets.