Scilla forbesii: The Vibrant Forbes' Glory-of-the-Snow
Scilla forbesii, commonly known as Forbes' glory-of-the-snow, is a striking bulbous perennial that brings early spring color to the landscape. Native to the rugged terrains of west Turkey, this plant is prized by gardeners for its deep blue to violet-blue blooms and its ability to naturalize, forming lush colonies over time.
Historically, this species was placed in a separate genus called Chionodoxa. However, modern botanical classification often treats it as part of the genus Scilla, specifically within the section Scilla sect. Chionodoxa. This taxonomic shift reflects a deeper understanding of the plant's evolutionary relationships within the family Asparagaceae.
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Key Facts
- Common Name: Forbes' glory-of-the-snow.
- Origin: Native to western and southern Turkey.
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring.
- Flower Color: Deep blue to violet-blue with a distinct white center.
- Growth Habit: Bulbous perennial that enters dormancy after flowering.
- Garden Value: Highly effective for naturalizing under deciduous trees.
Botanical Description
The most defining characteristic of Scilla forbesii, and other members of the former Chionodoxa genus, is the structure of the stamens. Unlike other Scilla species, the bases of the stamens in S. forbesii are flattened and closely clustered in the center of the flower.
Foliage and Structure
Each bulb typically produces two leaves, reaching up to 12 cm in length and 2 cm in width. A single flowering stem, growing up to 10.5 cm tall, supports a broadly pyramidal raceme (a flower cluster with separate pedicels along a central axis). Each stem can hold up to 12 flowers; the lower blooms face outward, while the upper ones face upward.
The Bloom
Individual flowers measure up to 3 cm across, featuring tepals (undifferentiated petals and sepals) approximately 1.3 cm long. The outer portion of the tepals is a rich blue or violet-blue, while the base of the tepal and the stamen filaments are white, creating a characteristic white "eye" at the center of the bloom.
Distinguishing S. forbesii from S. siehei
There is ongoing botanical debate regarding whether Scilla forbesii and Scilla siehei (Siehe's glory-of-the-snow) are distinct species or synonyms. For those who distinguish between the two, S. forbesii is identified by its deep blue flowers (rather than violet-blue) and a smaller number of upward-facing blooms.
Their distributions in Turkey also differ: S. forbesii is found specifically on Babadağ Mountain in Muğla Province, whereas S. siehei is native to Nif Mountain in İzmir Province.
Cultivation and Garden Care
Scilla forbesii is one of the most common species found in home gardens, though it is frequently mislabeled as S. luciliae. It is an excellent choice for creating a "spring carpet" effect due to its tendency to seed readily.
Planting and Maintenance
Dry bulbs should be planted while dormant in late summer or early autumn at a depth of 8–10 cm. While the plant requires light during its active growth phase, it is perfectly suited for planting under deciduous trees or shrubs. This is because the foliage dies back after flowering, allowing the plant to remain dormant while the overhead canopy fills in for the summer.
Varieties and Awards
While the common blue form is most prevalent, other variations exist. The variety alba produces white flowers, and the cultivar 'Pink Giant' offers pink flowers with white centers. Notably, Scilla siehei (when treated as a separate species) received the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 1993, which was reconfirmed in 2005.
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Summary Table: Scilla forbesii Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Scilla forbesii (Baker) Speta |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Native Range | Turkey (specifically Babadağ Mountain) |
| Planting Depth | 8–10 cm |
| Planting Window | Late summer to early autumn |
| Flower Characteristics | Deep blue/violet with white center; up to 12 per stem |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant Scilla forbesii bulbs?
Bulbs should be planted while they are dormant, typically during late summer or early autumn.
Can this plant grow in the shade?
Yes, it can be grown under deciduous trees or shrubs. It needs light during its early spring growth, but since the foliage dies back after flowering, it can tolerate the shade of a summer canopy.
How does Scilla forbesii differ from other Scilla species?
The primary difference is the structure of the stamens; in S. forbesii and the Chionodoxa group, the stamen bases are flattened and clustered in the center of the flower, unlike other Scilla species.
Will Scilla forbesii spread in my garden?
Yes, the common blue form seeds freely, which allows it to form large, naturalized colonies over time.
What is the difference between S. forbesii and S. siehei?
While some consider them the same, others distinguish them by color (deep blue for S. forbesii vs. violet-blue for S. siehei) and their specific native locations in Turkey (Babadağ Mountain vs. Nif Mountain).