Allen's Hybrid Squill Scilla × allenii

Water

Water your Scilla × allenii, also known as Chionodoxa × allenii or Pink Giant Glory-of-the-snow, moderately to maintain moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Generally, water these bulbs once a week with about 1 inch of water during their active growing season in the spring. Once the flowering has finished, and the leaves start to yellow, gradually reduce watering. They need less water during their dormant period in the summer. Overwatering can cause bulb rot, so it is crucial to ensure good drainage. Provide about half a gallon every two weeks when the plant is actively growing in pots, adjusting based on weather conditions.

Light

Chionodoxa × allenii thrives best in full sun to partial shade. An ideal spot for this plant would be an area that receives morning sunlight and is shaded in the hotter parts of the afternoon. If planted indoors, a south or east-facing window would be beneficial to provide the right amount of natural light. Insufficient light can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers, so make sure it gets enough light without being exposed to harsh midday sun.

Temperature

Chionodoxa × allenii prefers cool to moderate temperatures, thriving between 50°F and 70°F. It can handle temperatures as low as 20°F, making it suitable for outdoor growth in many regions. During its dormant period in summer, it can tolerate higher temperatures, although it's not ideal. Extreme heat can be detrimental, so if the temperature rises consistently above 80°F, it's important to provide some shade.

Pruning

Pruning is not necessary for Chionodoxa × allenii as it is a bulbous plant, but you can remove spent flower stalks to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent self-seeding. After flowering, allow the leaves to die back naturally as they provide energy for the bulb for the next season. The best time to clear away dead foliage is when it has yellowed and comes away easily, usually in late spring or early summer.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Scilla × allenii, commonly known as hybrid squill, thrives in a well-draining, loamy soil mix with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A blend of two parts garden soil, one part peat, and one part perlite or sand creates an ideal environment for root growth and moisture retention.

Repotting

Hybrid squill, or Scilla × allenii, should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Best to repot after the flowering period when the plant is in its dormant phase.

Humidity & Misting

Hybrid squill, or Scilla × allenii, prefers moderate humidity levels, around 40-50%, which is often found in a typical home environment without the need for additional humidity control measures.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place hybrid squill in a bright spot, water when soil dries.

• Outdoor

  Plant hybrid squill in partial shade, ensure soil drainage.

Life cycle

Scilla × allenii, commonly known as Allen's Scilla, begins its life cycle as a bulb planted in well-draining soil in autumn. The bulb remains dormant through winter, enduring the cold months by drawing on the stored nutrients within. In early spring, the bulb generates growth, sending up strap-shaped leaves followed closely by flower stems bearing star-shaped blue flowers. After flowering, the plant undergoes pollination, potentially leading to the production of seed capsules if pollinators such as bees have visited the blooms. Once the flowering period ends and seeds are set, the foliage dies back, and the plant reenters a dormant period through the summer months. The bulb, now replenished with nutrients absorbed during the growth period, waits to begin the next growth cycle when conditions are favorable again in the following autumn.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• Propogation: Scilla × allenii, commonly known as Allen's Scilla, is most effectively propagated by dividing its bulbs. The best time to propagate Allen's Scilla in this way is in the fall, after the leaves have died back and the plant has gone dormant. To propagate by bulb division, carefully dig up the bulbs and gently separate any offsets from the main bulb. These offsets are miniature bulbs that can be replanted immediately to grow into new plants. Plant the offsets about 3 inches (roughly 7.5 centimeters) deep and spaced at least 4 inches (approximately 10 centimeters) apart, in well-draining soil that receives full sun to partial shade. This method of propagation is simple and maintains the true characteristics of the parent plant, ensuring that the newly propagated Scilla × allenii plants will bloom with the same vigor and color as the original.