Chionodoxa 'Forbesii' (Forbes' squill)

Delivery begins from 14 September 2026
Spring flowering bulbs and plants are scheduled to begin delivery from 14 September 2026.

25 bulbs
£5.39
£0.22 each
50 bulbs
£9.89
£0.20 each
Save 8%
250 bulbs
£40.99
£0.16 each
Save 24%

Delivery begins from 14 September 2026

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Our "Bloom or Bust" Promise

Forbesii, often admired for its intense blue with a clear white eye colouring, is a bulb variety especially well suited to naturalising.

For a quietly enchanting start to spring, Chionodoxa forbesii brings neat, starry flowers in an intense blue, each one finished with a crisp white eye. Small in stature yet wonderfully effective, it settles into clumps over time and is particularly handsome when allowed to naturalise—threaded through short grass, tucked into gravel, or dotted along the very front of the border.

Plant in autumn and look forward to a refined haze of early colour from March into April. It is equally charming in containers, where the clear blue reads as distinctly fresh against stone, terracotta, and evergreen foliage.

  • Colour: Intense blue with a clear white eye
  • Flowering: March–April
  • Height (established): 15cm
  • Spread: 10cm
  • Habit: Clump-forming perennial bulb
  • Best for: Naturalising, gravel gardens, containers, underplanting
Botanical name Chionodoxa forbesii
Flower colour Intense blue with a clear white eye
Bulb size 5/6cm
Established height 15cm
Established spread 10cm
Plant spacing 5-10cm
Leaf colour Mid green
Habit Clump-forming
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully Hardy
Years to establish 2
Sunlight Full-Sun
Position Front of border, Naturalised in grass, Gravel garden, Containers
Suitable for Naturalising, Gravel gardens, Containers, Underplanting
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Well-drained
Soil type Loam
RHS Award (AGM) No
Growing skill Easy
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Deer resistant No

Where to Plant:

Chionodoxa 'Forbesii' (Forbes' squill) needs full-sun and a warm, sheltered position for the best flowering. Plant into fertile, humus-rich soil that drains well, and choose a spot protected from strong winds, especially for taller varieties.

How to Plant:

Plant bulb from September to December once conditions are suitable. Set them at the correct depth for the variety, spacing 5-10cm apart where relevant, then firm in gently and water well after planting.

Aftercare:

Water regularly in dry weather and feed every two to three weeks once buds appear. Stake taller stems early and deadhead to keep plants flowering. After flowering, allow foliage to die back naturally before lifting or protecting bulb according to local conditions.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

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Planting
Flowering

Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Attracts wildlife

Naturalising

Chionodoxa 'Forbesii' (Forbes' squill) - Harding & Bloom

Chionodoxa 'Forbesii' (Forbes' squill)

£5.39

£5.39

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Kind Words from Our Gardeners

Arrived quickly and well-packaged. Planted them in some pots on the patio and they all came up. Look beautiful. Thank you!

Careane Wallace

Oxfordshire, UK

The bulbs arrived beautifully packaged and you could just tell they were excellent quality. We had the most wonderful display of daffodils this spring on our patio. Simply stunning. Will definitely be ordering again

David P

Kent, UK

I ordered the mixed hyacinth collection and the scent in my garden this April was absolutely heavenly. Every single bulb produced a strong, beautiful flower and the colours were stunning together. A fantastic purchase, I'll be back for more next year!

Eleanor R

Somerset