White Siberian Squill Scilla siberica 'Alba'
ABOUT
The Scilla siberica 'Alba', often known as the white Siberian squill, is a charming flowering plant notable for its striking appearance. This variety of Siberian squill displays a robust display of pure white star-shaped flowers. Each flower is comprised of six tepals, which are the petal-like segments, that flare outwards, creating a delicate and somewhat bell-like form. The blossoms are arranged in loose racemes or clusters, whereby each individual flower is perched on a slender stem above the foliage. The leaves of the white Siberian squill are narrow and long, resembling straps or blades of grass in their shape. The leaves are a rich, deep green in color, providing a verdant backdrop for the bright white blooms. This vibrant contrast between the pure white flowers and lush green leaves enhances the visual appeal of the plant. White Siberian squill typically blooms during the spring, contributing to the splashes of color in gardens and naturalized areas after the winter season. When in flower, this plant brings a cheerful and eye-catching display through its elegant blossoms. It often becomes a highlight in garden settings, especially when planted in large drifts where its enchanting flowers can provide a carpet of white. The plant is appreciated for its hardiness and ability to naturalize easily, becoming a perennial favorite in many landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
White Siberian Squill, White Wood Squill
Common names
Scilla siberica 'Alba'.
ToxicityTo humans
Siberian squill is considered to be mildly toxic if ingested. The toxic components can cause gastrointestinal irritation, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, handling the plant may cause skin irritation for some individuals. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or if there is a suspected ingestion of large quantities.
To pets
Siberian squill is also toxic to pets, with similar symptoms to those in humans. If pets consume parts of this plant, they could experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to gastrointestinal irritation. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting Siberian squill and to contact a veterinarian if you suspect they have consumed any amount.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
8 inches (20 cm)
Spread
3 inches (8 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Eastern Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: Siberian Squill ‘Alba’ is known for being hardy and low maintenance, which makes it a favorite among gardeners of all skill levels.
- Spring blooming: It provides early spring flowers, often emerging even through snow, offering a cheerful display at the end of winter.
- Attracts pollinators: Its blooms attract bees and other pollinators, which are vital for the health of gardens and the ecosystem.
- Naturalizing: The plant tends to spread over time, creating a dense carpet of foliage and flowers which can enhance the aesthetics of a garden.
- Shade tolerance: Siberian Squill ‘Alba’ can grow in partial shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens or areas under tree canopies.
- Tolerates various soils: It can thrive in a range of soil conditions as long as the soil is well-draining.
- Deer and rodent resistant: It is generally resistant to deer and rodents, reducing the need for protective measures in the garden.
- Cold hardy: With good tolerance to cold temperatures, it can survive in many climates, especially in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 8.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Scilla siberica 'Alba', commonly known as white Siberian squill, can serve as a dye source. The plant's tissues contain substances that, when properly treated, can yield a natural blue color.
- These plants are effective in preventing soil erosion when planted en masse on sloping grounds due to their rooting system.
- White Siberian squill can be used in sensory gardens for the visually impaired because its bright white blooms provide sharp color contrasts.
- The plant is sometimes utilized in photography and art for its aesthetic blossom structure, often in macro photography to capture its intricate details.
- The bulb extract, in non-medicinal applications, can be used as a form of natural adhesive for small crafts due to its sticky sap.
- White Siberian squill can function as a "living mulch" by providing ground cover that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture.
- It can also be used in educational settings, like schools or botanical gardens, as a plant to show bulb development and the life cycle of perennials.
- White Siberian squill bulbs are sometimes used in natural dyeing workshops to teach methods of extracting pigments from plant materials.
- This plant can be used as a seasonal indicator in gardens since it blooms early in spring, signaling the end of winter.
- In urban landscapes, they're planted for visual traffic calming, as their blooming creates eye-catching patches that can lead to slower driving speeds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Siberian Squill is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Siberian Squill is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence - Scilla siberica 'Alba', commonly known as Siberian squill, often symbolizes perseverance as it is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, often pushing through snow to emerge.
- Hope - This plant is also a symbol of hope, with its bright white blooms acting as a sign that winter is ending and warmer days are coming.
- New Beginnings - Siberian squill's association with early spring ties it to the concept of new beginnings, much like the start of a new season.
WaterSiberian squill 'Alba' prefers evenly moist soil, especially during its growing season in the spring. It should be watered thoroughly once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Typically, you would use about 1 gallon of water per square yard of soil, adjusting for rainfall and temperature which can alter the plant's water needs. During the dormant period in summer, reduce watering frequency as the plant requires less moisture.
LightSiberian squill 'Alba' thrives best in full to partial sunlight. It is ideal to plant it in a location where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in areas with very hot midday sun, dappled shade can help protect the plant from too much direct exposure.
TemperatureSiberian squill 'Alba' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, thriving in conditions that do not typically drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit or exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is cold-hardy and can survive winter temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit but the ideal growing temperature is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Siberian squill 'Alba' mainly involves the removal of spent flower stalks after blooming to keep the plant looking tidy and to prevent self-seeding if undesired. This is typically done once a year, shortly after the blooms have faded. Regular pruning is not necessary as the plant will naturally die back as it enters dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Siberian Squill is well-draining, loamy soil enriched with compost or other organic matter. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingSiberian Squill typically does not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should be repotted only when they become overcrowded, which is usually every 3-5 years.
Humidity & MistingSiberian Squill thrives in average humidity conditions. It does not require any special humidity requirements and can tolerate the natural humidity levels found in most outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist in spring.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade or full sun and water moderately.
Hardiness zone
2-8 USDA
Life cycleWhite Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica 'Alba') undergoes several key stages in its life cycle. It begins as a bulb, which remains dormant underground during the warmer months and cold winter. As temperatures rise in early spring, the bulb sprouts, sending up strap-shaped, green leaves, and rapidly develops flowering stalks bearing delicate white flowers. After pollination, typically by bees and other insects attracted to its blossoms, the plant sets seed. The foliage then dies back as the plant enters a period of dormancy, with energy being stored in the bulb for the next growing season. Finally, the life cycle repeats annually, with the bulbs capable of producing offsets that can be divided to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Siberian Squill 'Alba', or Scilla siberica 'Alba', is most commonly propagated by dividing its bulbs. The best time for this is after the foliage has died back, usually in late summer or early fall. During this period, the parent bulb can be gently lifted from the soil and the offsets, which are smaller bulbs that have developed around the base of the parent, can be carefully separated. These offsets can then be planted immediately at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 centimeters) in well-drained soil and spaced approximately 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 centimeters) apart, ensuring that the pointy end is facing upwards. By the following spring, these offsets will have rooted and will likely flower, continuing the lifecycle of the Siberian Squill 'Alba'.
