My last post featured snowdrops and I was asked if there would be bluebells in turn. Well it is still too early for bluebells although a cursory glance at the picture above could fool anyone for a moment. These are Scilla (formerly known as Chionodoxa). There is Scilla liciliae commonly known as 'Glory of the Snow' because of its early appearance. There is a white version 'alba' and a related Scilla sardensis sometimes called the Siberian Squill despite not growing there.
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The location of this carpet, while also Northumbrian is not the same as the snowdrops. It is Alnwick Castle Gardens.
Just down the road at Hulne Park there is an almost apocalyptic scene bearing witness to the of passing storm Arwen. This is just one of many pine plantations similarly shredded last November.
Back in the Castle Gardens the cherry orchard is thankfully unaffected and just about to burst into bloom in dramatic style..
These Scillas are so pretty, I've never seen any like that here. We only have Alpine ones and they are long gone. Do this Scillas flower longer than the bifolias?
ReplyDeleteI was so pleased with the effect that I bought some to try out at home. They are happily still in flower. I hope they will take to conditions here, but will not know until this time next year.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame about the trees. I didn’t know that the name chionodoxa was old fashioned.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that botanists have stripped Chionodoxa of its status as a separate genus and subsumed it as a section within the Scilla genus.
ReplyDeleteOh Scilla! They’re so pretty!
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