Scilla Greilhuberi

Description

This easy-to-grow plant opens its early blue flowers, rather like small erythroniums, in a loose, few-flowered raceme from January to March. Intriguingly, it starts its growth in early autumn and remains wintergreen, and by using this stratagem to flower early, makes its spikes of hanging, reflexed bright blue bells. Native to the Elburz Mountains in Northern Iran and the Caspian region, where it grows in lightly shaded woodland, it does best with a dry summer rest. Few seeds collected.

Sowing Advice

Sow seeds at any time, covering them very thinly with compost or grit, keeping the seed pot in a cool, well-lit spot outdoors. Artificial heat is not needed and can prevent germination so be very patient as many species will only germinate in the spring after chilling or freezing in the moist seed pot in the winter. Grow on individual seedlings in small pots until of sufficient size to be potted on or planted out into the open ground.

Key Facts