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Description
Scilla Siberica, also known as Siberian squill, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It is native to Western Russia, Turkey, and the Caucasus region, but has become naturalized in many parts of the world, including North America and Europe. The plant produces beautiful blue, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add color to their landscapes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Scilla |
Appearance
Scilla Siberica grows up to 6 inches tall and produces one or two basal leaves that are narrow and pointed. The leaves are about 4-10 inches long and 0.1-0.3 inches wide. The flowers are blue to violet-blue in color, with six petals that are fused at their bases. They grow on spikes that are about 4-6 inches long and have about 1-4 flowers per spike. The flowers are followed by capsule fruits that contain black seeds.
Care Guide
Scilla Siberica is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant grows best in full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Scilla Siberica is hardy in USDA zones 2-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Scilla Siberica is generally not prone to pests and diseases, but it may be susceptible to the following:
- Slugs and snails: These pests may attack the plant’s leaves and flowers.
- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease may cause the flowers and leaves to rot.
- Gray mold: This fungal disease may cause the plant to wilt and die.
Habitat
Scilla Siberica is native to Western Russia, Turkey, and the Caucasus region, but has become naturalized in many parts of the world, including North America and Europe. The plant grows in open woods, meadows, and grassy slopes, and prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Scilla Siberica be grown indoors?
A: While Scilla Siberica is typically grown outdoors, it can be grown indoors in a sunny window, provided it receives enough light.
Q: How often should I water Scilla Siberica?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: How do I propagate Scilla Siberica?
A: Propagate the plant by dividing the bulbs in the fall after the foliage has died back.
Q: How long do the flowers of Scilla Siberica last?
A: The flowers of Scilla Siberica last for about 2-3 weeks.
Related Plants
- Scilla bifolia
- Scilla campanulata
- Scilla hyacinthoides
- Scilla peruviana
References
- “Scilla Siberica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l320.
- “Scilla Siberica.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/21671/Scilla-siberica/Details.
- “Scilla Siberica.” University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/scilla-siberica/.
