Scilla Siberica (20)

One of the most reliable harbingers of spring, Scilla siberica produces vivid, deep blue, nodding bell-shaped flowers held just above narrow, strap-shaped leaves. Appearing in earliest spring alongside snowdrops and crocuses, its intense colour makes a real impact when massed beneath trees, along borders or naturalised through lawns, where it will happily spread into generous, jewel-toned drifts over time.

Reaching around 10-20cm in height with a spread of 5cm, this variety is best planted in early autumn, 5cm deep and about 5-8cm apart, in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It's fully hardy and thrives on neglect once established, self-seeding and multiplying steadily year after year.