Scilla bifolia rosea

Delicate, charming and delightfully unusual, Scilla bifolia 'Rosea' offers a beautiful twist on the classic Alpine Squill, producing elegant star-shaped flowers in soft shell-pink rather than the traditional blue.

Native to the woodlands and mountain meadows of central and southern Europe, Scilla bifolia has long been treasured for its early spring display. This lovely pink form is much rarer, bringing a gentle warmth and refinement to borders, woodland gardens and rockeries just as the garden begins to awaken from winter.

Each bulb produces two broad, glossy green leaves—giving rise to the name bifolia, meaning "two-leaved"—from which slender stems carry clusters of delicate, lightly fragrant flowers. The soft pink blooms glow beautifully in the spring sunshine and make an exquisite companion to Snowdrops, white Crocuses, Chionodoxa and early Narcissi.

Easy to establish and exceptionally hardy, Scilla bifolia 'Rosea' naturalises gently, forming attractive colonies that return each year with increasing charm. Its nectar-rich flowers also provide an early food source for bees and other pollinating insects.

A rare and elegant little bulb that brings subtle colour and natural beauty to the earliest days of spring.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Scilla bifolia 'Rosea' bulbs in autumn, ideally between September and November, before the ground freezes.

Where to Plant:
Choose a position in full sun or partial shade with well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Ideal for woodland gardens, rockeries, borders, beneath deciduous trees and naturalising in lawns.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant bulbs approximately 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) deep.
• Spacing: Space bulbs about 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) apart.
• Soil Prep: Improve heavy soils with grit or compost to improve drainage while maintaining good soil fertility.

Watering:
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the bulbs. Once established, rainfall is usually sufficient, although plants appreciate moisture during active spring growth.

Aftercare Tips:

• Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering.
• Leave bulbs undisturbed so they can multiply and naturalise.
• Lift and divide congested clumps every few years if flowering becomes reduced.

Top Tip:
Plant amongst Snowdrops, white Crocuses and pale blue Chionodoxa to create a beautifully soft, pastel-coloured spring display.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
February – March (depending on season and conditions)

Height:
4–6" (10–15cm) (approx.)

Position:
Full sun or partial shade

Hardy Perennial