Siberian Squill
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Although they are not the most recognizable of the bulb plants, like Dafodils, Siberian Squill are hardy, early spring bloomers, with large blue flowers. They grow well in cooler northern climates.
Their ability to grow in Siberia is a matter of geography and current temperature trends. Siberia ranks only second to Antarctica in terms of record breaking cold weather, with average winter temperatures well below the freezing level.
According to the Missouri Botanical Gardens most areas of Siberia are too cold to grow Siberian Squill, which can get by in zone two areas. Siberia is mapped as having very few zone two areas. In some instances in East Siberia, "No such zone appears among the American "Hardiness zones", these conditions of such extreme cold simply do not occur in North America."
Enthusiastic Squill growers note that over time the plants can spread out and take over a patch of ground, so occasional garden maintenance is sometimes required.
Otherwise, like other bulbs, Siberian Squill is typically planted in the fall for spring bloom. Bulbs can easily be forced to grow out of season for use as houseplants.
© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels