Siberian Squill (Scilla)
People have mixed feeling about this little blue flower. Lots of people love to see its cheerful blooms rise above the snow this time of year, especially those who share the same weather with its Siberian origins. Popping up in lawns where they readily naturalize; they're a sure sign of spring. Other folks fear its invasive quality after seeing it form thick colonies in local woodlands. In town it serves as an early source of much needed nectar for early emerging native bees.
Habitat Function: Nectar plant for native bees
Landscape Use: Mass plantings, naturalizing, spring bulb displays
Hardiness: Zones 2-8
Color: Deep blue
Native: To Russia
Light: Full sun for best bloom, tolerates partial shade
Soil: Prefers somewhat acidic, loamy soil
Size: 3-6 inches tall
Did You Know? You can tell when bees forage on scilla by the steely blue pollen they carry on their bodies.