Puschkinia libanotica

Height: 15 cm

Blooms: March-April

Also known as the Russian Snowdrops. Pushkinia is named after an 18th century Russian botanist Mussin-Pushkin.

A low-growing plant. Flowers earlier than Scilla Siberica and Chionodoxa to which it is closely related. She flowers later than Scilla Mischtschenkoana she resembles. Two to three grass-like leaves grow from the bulb. In between, a stem with dense clusters of silver-blue star-shaped flowers decorated with a beautiful, slightly darker stripe. Two to three grass-like leaves grow from the bulb. In between, a stem with dense clusters of silver-blue star-shaped flowers decorated with a beautiful, slightly darker stripe. A fragile looking plant. But appearances can be deceiving, the charming early bloomer also starts to bloom at temperatures below freezing. Still a little too early for the bees, but they know where to find her as soon as the temperature allows.

Naturalises freely -but not invasively-from seed. Thrives in moist conditions. A long-flowering plant that is most at home under trees and shrubs, but it also adds grace to borders or rock gardens.