Description
(syn. scilloides var. libanotica)
A superb spring-flowering dwarf bulb found in Turkey, Caucasus, Iran and sporadically south to Lebanon. They are snow melt plants ideally suited to growth in British gardens preferably in full sun in a well-drained but humus-rich soil. They will stand transient wetness when in growth, but like a summer rest which is on the drier side, without being desiccated. Fertility will aid bulb size, increase and flowering, though this is a tough plant which will survive almost any reasonable soil in sun or light shade.
Small rounded bulbs make two or three, strap-shaped leaves below a heavy spike of palest blue, 10-12 mm flowers, each petal of which is marked with a central turquoise-blue stripe. Flowering is along a good sized spike which is often weighed down with the small flowers, then, by June, the whole thing has finished growth and is packing its bags for its summer holiday underground.
Picture from Erutuon on Wikimedia, with thanks.
