Striped squill (Puschkinia scilloides), bulbs in pot

• Type: spring-flowering bulbous perennial, asparagus family (Asparagaceae)
• Botanical name: Puschkinia scilloides
• Height and spread: 10–15 cm × 5–8 cm
• Flowering: March – April, pale blue flowers with a blue stripe
• Light: sun – partial shade
• Soil: open, well-drained, moderately moist in spring
• Hardiness: very hardy, USDA zones 4–8
• Use: spring pots, rock gardens, border edges, under trees
• Size: several bulbs in a pot

Planting. Keep the pot of bulbs in a bright, cool place. After flowering plant the whole root ball out in the garden in sun or partial shade, in open, well-drained soil. Dry bulbs are planted in autumn 5–8 cm deep and 5–10 cm apart.

Watering and feeding. In the pot water moderately, never letting it dry out or become waterlogged. In the garden spring rain is usually enough; a little bulb fertiliser can be given as growth starts.

Care. After flowering do not cut the leaves until they yellow naturally — this is when the bulb stores energy for next year. In summer the plant goes dormant.

Gardener's tip. Plant Puschkinia in groups of 10–20 next to crocuses and squills — the spring drift will then be visible from afar.