PL. —Scilla autumnalisBotanical illustration — drop image
Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks
Winter
Not in bloom
Spring
Not in bloom
Summer
Peak bloom
Fall
Not in bloom
Peak bloom
In bloom
Background
Native to the Mediterranean region from Portugal and Morocco east to Turkey and the Caucasus, autumn squill is a small bulb that flips the usual squill calendar — loose spikes of star-shaped, blue-violet flowers appear in late summer to early fall, ahead of the narrow foliage that follows and persists through winter. It's a good pick for naturalizing in short grass or a gravel garden where its diminutive scale won't be lost.
Sharp drainage is essential; plant bulbs two to three times their depth in lean, well-drained soil and let it dry out between waterings to avoid bulb rot. Once established it needs almost no care.
Care guide
SunFull sun
WaterLow; drought tolerant, let soil dry between waterings
SoilWell-drained, slightly acidic to neutral loam
Spacing3–4 in
Height3–6 in
Zone5a – 9b
winter
watchLet narrow foliage persist through winter after bloom finishes.
summer
sowPlant bulbs two to three times their depth in a well-drained, sunny site in late summer.
fall
watchEnjoy loose spikes of star-shaped blue-violet flowers appearing ahead of the foliage.