I fell in love with Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica) from
photos showcasing
naturalized masses of dainty blue flowers
cheering up woodland scenes.
I've long admired these swathes of
clear blue blooms
in a lovely garden in town.
So pretty with daffodils.
But this year, the show got a bit out of control.
The scilla has jumped the bounds of neatly groomed beds and
spread across the lawn.
It's even spread
across the street and
taken over the neighbors yard.
Siberian Squill's ability to create a
dramativ show is due to its
hardiness and tendency to spread,
both by bulb offshoots and self-seeding.
But this strength can turn into its biggest liability.
I've been trying to determine
whether Scilla siberica is invasive, and
have read conflicting reports.
- Minnesota Wildflowers calls it invasive.
- Missouri Botanical Garden states that it will naturalize rapidly, but does not list it as invasive.
- Penn State Extension recommends it.
I've not found a definitive indication that
Scilla siberica is truly invasive.
However, this example highlights the
importance of understanding the
characteristics of plants you plant in your garden.
Update:
For more information on
Scilla siberica's invasive qualities,
read the last few comments below-
several share their
inability to remove scilla from their gardens.
While charming photos of
bright blue Scilla siberica may lure you,
be careful what you wish for...
before long you may have more than you bargained for.
If you choose to plant it,
plant it where its spreading nature will be welcome,
not where it will create future frustration.
