Description
(Othocallis)
Scilla morrisii was described only in 1976 and it was then known only from one small area in Cyprus. It seems that it is in fact more widespread than this on both halves of the island, but it remains a vulnerable species. The bulbs have deep purple-black bulb tunics and produce long but slender leaves. These are made in autumn but are still present when the plant flowers in March-April.
There are one to three flowers per 15-20cm stem and these are bells of pale pink-purple rather than typical Scilla blue. More than one flowering spike can be made per bulb once the plant is established. This species is very unusual in the genus and for such a rare plant, it is remarkably easy to grow in a well-drained sunny spot, where it will make good growth and offsets without becoming a weed. It can also be grown under glass in post or planted out in a bulb frame.
Cultivated, seed-raised stock traceable to Ayos Neophytos in Cyprus, which came to us via Bern Botanic Gardens in Switzerland some years ago.
