In the spotlight: scilla bifolia rosea

 In Latin Skilla means 'similar, related plant', in Greek Scilla is 'to hurt, harm', but also dangerous, poisonous (do not eat!). It is also called early star hyacinth. There are about 90 recognized scilla species, blooming in early spring, and attractive to honeybees.

The species name bifolia means two-leafed, rosea refers to the color of this species. Other varieties are white, pink, blue or purple.

The bulbs are about 1 cm in size. From this grow 2 (bifolia) shiny curved leaves up to half of the stem. The short stem bears a raceme of 6 to 10 flowers.

The species is widespread in Central and Southern Europe, the Caucasus and West-Asia and arrived in the Netherlands as early as 1594. It blooms at heights and also in shady places: under trees and shrubs in the garden it naturalizes easily and forms a beautiful flower carpet. The bulbs can remain in the soil. Nature works for you. If you wish to care for your bulbs: fertilizer and water in the flowering season, remove leaves after flowering, and a compost layer for winter protection. Like most bulbs, they don't like wet feet, but do like well-drained soil that allows water to drain.

Planting is done early in the fall, so that the bulbs can still take root well before the winter. The bulbs can adjust the depth themselves, but 5-7 cm is a good indication.

Today, the Chionodoxa species is part of the Scilla species. If these species are planted together, snow stars can be formed: Star Hyacinth x Glory of the Snow = Snow Star. More on that next time!

Source: Wiki and Allesoverbloembollen.nl