This close relative of the bluebell should be starting to emerge now to produce starry bell-shaped flowers on its dark upright stems. The petals are pale blue, each with a deeper blue central stripe and they look lovely when they're planted en masse under trees or at the front of borders.
The small bulbs should be planted in early autumn in groups, around 2in (6cm) deep, adding some compost before planting.
They spread fairly rapidly, so clumps can be lifted and divided in summer, then replanted immediately. Good varieties include P. scilloides var. libanotica and the white variety, Alba'.
They will grow happily in containers and rock gardens, but are at their finest when grown in short grass with other bulbs to make a carpet of colour in spring.
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