Forbes' glory-of-the-snow
Scilla forbesii · Asparagaceae
📷 Hangsna · CC BY-SA 4.0
⚠️ Bulbes toxiques par ingestion pour chiens, chats et enfants. Cause irritation buccale et troubles digestifs.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant forbes' glory-of-the-snow: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Plant type
- Perennial bulb
- Adult height
- 25 cm
- Flowering
- March to April
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Hardiness
- Hardy (down to -15°C)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Origin
- South Africa
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Plant bulbs in autumn in well-drained soil, in a warm location. Water moderately during growth, then let dry completely as soon as foliage starts to yellow in May.
The common mistake
Watering in summer after yellowing or leaving soil moist: bulbs rot and won't return the following spring.
The pro's trick
In very humid areas, lift dry bulbs in June and store them in a cool place until September.
Care
Exposure and light
Forbes' scilla appreciates full sun for optimal flowering and vigorous growth. A location in full light guarantees better coloration of the characteristic blue-violet flowers. It can also tolerate a partially shaded situation, but flowering will be less abundant.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season and flowering to keep the soil moist but not wet. After flowering and during summer, gradually reduce watering as the foliage dries out. In winter, during bulb dormancy, minimal watering is sufficient.
Soil and drainage
Plant the bulbs in well-draining soil, rich in organic matter and slightly acidic to neutral. Add compost or peat before planting to improve structure. Poor drainage causes bulb rot: this is the critical point to monitor.
Fertilization
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring when leaves emerge and during flowering. Light feeding every three weeks is sufficient during this period. Stop fertilizing after flowering to avoid weakening the dormant bulb.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove spent flowers to encourage prolonged flowering. Let the foliage dry out naturally after flowering, as it replenishes the bulb's reserves for next year. Clean up dead leaves at the end of summer.
Diseases and pests
Scilla is generally hardy. Watch for bulb rot if there is stagnant moisture in winter. Slug or snail attacks are possible in spring: remove them manually or use physical barriers if necessary.
Did you know?
Forbes' scilla owes its botanical name to Scottish botanist James Edward Forbes, a 19th-century naturalist. This small South African bulb is often confused with other blue scillas, but it stands out for its more intense blue-violet flowers and its ability to quickly form dense colonies, making it an excellent spring flower for naturalized gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring flowering. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from September to November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.