SCILLA. Squill. Europe, Asia, Africa. A large and far-flung genus of the lily family, some of them already used for centuries in gardens. They are bulbous perennials, with circles of variously shaped and colored basal leaves. Their six-parted flowers may open nearly flat or bell- to trumpet-shaped. Most are prolific and easily grown, although differences in their growing and flowering seasons require some adjustment in watering schedules. Some thrive in full sun, others in part shade, in most reasonably well drained soils. Their hardiness varies, though the following are hardy to 20^oF. or less.

peruviana. Southwestern Europe and North Africa. Received long ago as S. hughii from the late Rose Williams, this has been one of my favorite garden bulbs for many years. It forms bulbs up to 3" in diameter, and these produce numerous offshoots, making small, dense colonies. In late fall it begins its cycle with a broad crown of shiny lance-shaped leaves, each up to 18" long. It flowers for several weeks in spring, carrying up to 100 purple stars, about 1" in diameter, in what appears to be a dense umbrella-shaped cluster; however the “umbrella” continues to elongate, producing ever more buds. This is a fine addition to naturalistic meadows and mixed borders, and a spectacular container subject. Give it full exposure. The bulbs are summer dormant and can go completely dry.

species unidentified. South Africa. A pretty summer-growing, summer-blooming species for shady nooks and containers. It has a long dormant season from late fall to middle spring, popping up unexpectedly with small rosettes of broad 6-8" leaves. The leaves are dark green above, spotted with grey and tinged with purple beneath. In summer many small purplish pink blossoms open in succession on 6" stems. This one should have light to medium shade.