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.
They make such a pretty spring groundcover for daffodils.
But this year, the show was a bit out of control.
The Scilla siberica (Siberian Squill) has jumped the
bounds of neatly groomed beds and
spread across the lawn.
It looks like it's even spread
across the street and
taken over the neighbors yard.
Siberian Squill's ability to create a
dramatic 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 have 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 have not found a definitive indication that
Scilla siberica is truly invasive.
However, this example highlights the importance of
understanding the characteristics of
plants you incorporate into your garden.
Update:
For more information on Scilla siberica's invasive qualities,
read the comments below -
several share experiences of Scilla siberica as invasive.
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.
Plant it where its spreading nature will be welcome,
not where it will create future frustration.
