Alpine Squill (Scilla bifolia) - Early Spring Bulbs for Bees & Woodland Gardens

Scilla bifolia, commonly known as Alpine Squill or Two-leaved Squill, is a beautiful little species bulb producing loose clusters of star-shaped blue flowers in early spring.

Growing only around 10–15cm tall, its vivid blue flowers appear above a pair of fresh green leaves, bringing pockets of colour to the ground beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, woodland edges, rock gardens and naturalistic spring planting.

Rather than planting Scilla bifolia as isolated specimens, we love it in informal groups and drifts where its small flowers can gradually become part of the woodland floor alongside other early-flowering plants.

Although not native to Britain, Scilla bifolia is native across parts of continental Europe and western Asia. Its early, accessible flowers can provide useful supplementary forage for bees and other pollinating insects at a time when the wider choice of flowers may still be relatively limited.

Wildlife value

For wildlife gardeners, the principal value of Scilla bifolia is its early flowering period and simple, accessible flowers.

On mild spring days, queen bumblebees, solitary bees and other early-active insects may already be searching for nectar and pollen.

The open, star-shaped flowers of Scilla bifolia provide another potential feeding opportunity during this important early part of the season.

We don't regard non-native Squill as a substitute for our native woodland flora. Instead, it can be used as supplementary early forage alongside native plants, helping create a longer and more varied succession of flowering plants through a wildlife-friendly garden.

Our approach remains: native where ecological relationships matter most; carefully chosen ornamentals where they genuinely provide useful additional forage.

Planting & care

Position: Partial or dappled shade is ideal, although Scilla bifolia can also grow in sunnier positions where conditions are suitable.

Soil: Fertile, humus-rich and reasonably well-drained soil. Woodland-style conditions beneath deciduous trees and shrubs suit it particularly well.

Planting depth: Plant approximately 5-8cm deep.

Spacing: Approximately 5-8cm apart, or plant somewhat closer together when creating informal groups and drifts.

Height: Approximately 10-15cm.

Flowering period: Usually February to April, depending on location and weather.

Aftercare: Allow the leaves to yellow and die back naturally after flowering. This allows the bulb to replenish its reserves for the following year's growth.

Once established, plants are generally best left relatively undisturbed.

Creating a natural woodland display

Because Scilla bifolia is such a small bulb, it is particularly effective when planted generously rather than dotted individually around a large space.

For an informal appearance, scatter bulbs over the chosen area and plant them approximately where they fall. Small groups can then be repeated beneath deciduous trees, around shrubs and along woodland edges.

Given suitable conditions, Scilla bifolia can gradually naturalise, creating increasingly beautiful patches of blue over time.

It combines wonderfully with other low-growing early flowers such as Winter Aconites, snowdrops, Cyclamen coum, Crocus and native primroses, helping create a woodland floor in which one flowering period follows another as winter gives way to spring.

SAFETY NOTE

Scilla bifolia is an ornamental bulb and should not be eaten. Keep bulbs and plant material away from children and pets likely to ingest them, and wash hands after handling.

Why Wild Your Garden?

We carefully select bulbs that earn their place in a wildlife-friendly garden - prioritising native and naturalised species where ecological relationships matter most, alongside carefully chosen ornamentals that provide useful additional forage.

Orders are hand-picked for quality and packed in paper wherever suitable, with breathable net packaging used where necessary to keep bulbs in the best possible condition.

We work with specialist bulb growers and suppliers, including long-established local growers.