The squill bush requires little maintenance. In addition, he can convince with his interesting flowers, as well as with his attractive yellow autumn colors.
With its light blue, star-shaped flowers, the squill bush (Amsonia hubrichtii) fully lives up to its name. The needle-like foliage and the compact growth are the flagship of the plant from North America. In autumn you can enjoy the Indian summer feeling in your own garden, because the tube star is then bathed in bright yellow.
Origin of the Squill Bush
The original home of the squill bush is in the southern United States, in the states of Arkansas and Oklahoma. The plant, which belongs to the Dogbane family, was first described in 1943.
Special features of the squill bush
The plant is initially quite inconspicuous. During flowering and with its attractive autumn colors, the squill bush turns into a real eye-catcher in the bed. The perennial belongs to the dogbane family and is related to the deciduous plant.
The clump-forming plant catches the eye with its prickly appearance. The growth height is up to 90 centimeters. From May the squill bush is in bloom. In autumn, the plant impresses with yellow, brown or ocher shades. The fruit stands should not be removed and set pretty accents in the otherwise rather dreary conservatory.
| Squill bush / tube star (Amsonia hubrichtii) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | Upright leafy peduncles, clump-forming |
| Growth: | 70 - 90 cm |
| Growth: | 30 - 50 cm |
| Usage: | Open land, wooded edge |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | dry to fresh, well-drained, mineral-like |
Planting and caring for squill bushes
Finding the right location for the squill bush
The squill bush finds an ideal location on sunny woody edges. Cultivation is also possible in open spaces. In the originalNative to North America, the plant also grows in meadows in conjunction with grasses.
In order to be able to enjoy the full blaze of color of the tube star, choose a location that is as sunny as possible. The blazing sun at midday should be avoided if possible.
Tip: The plant should be planted at an appropriate distance, because it takes up to three years for the squill bush to fully develop.
Selecting the ideal substrate for the squill bush
The soil should not be too dry. A permeable and nutrient-rich substrate offers the ideal growth conditions. A calcareous soil is well tolerated. The soil can be upgraded by mixing in mature compost or horn shavings.
Planting a squill bush - step by step
1. Select location
2. Prepare soil
3. Observe planting distance
4. Dig planting hole
5. Insert plant
6. Fill up substrate7. Press the soil
8. Water the plant
When planting, ensure a planting distance of 40 centimeters. Up to six plants can be placed on one square meter.
Water the squill bush
Watering the tubular star should not be neglected if you want to enjoy the splendor of the flowers. Regular watering is required in dry locations. On hot summer days, the plant can be watered in the morning and evening.
Tip: Pour slowly and do not flood the plant. The water jet is to be aimed directly at the ground and leaves and flowers are to be left out.
Fertilize Squill Bush
The squill bush does not need to be fertilized regularly. In a fresh and nutrient-rich substrate, no additional fertilizer is necessary. Barren soil should already be upgraded during planting. Mature compost is a slow-release organic fertilizer that will keep plants well through their first year. Additional fertilizer can be applied annually in spring.
Pruning Squill Bush
The squill bush does not require regular pruning. Even in autumn, the plant is not shortened. When the foliage dies, it bends towards the ground and protects the plant from frost. In spring, the withered leaves can simply be raked off.
An overview of the most important planting and care tips
| Activity | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Find location | • sunny to semi-shady |
| Prepare substrate | • permeable •nutrient rich • moist • calcareous |
| Casting | • water regularly • do not water over leaves and flowers • avoid waterlogging |
| Fertilize | • compost as long-term fertilizer in spring • no further fertilization required |
| Cut | • No pruning necessary • Leaves are raked off in spring |
Winter Squill Bush
The plant is not hardy. Therefore, the squill bush must receive winter protection from leaves, brushwood or garden fleece. In harsh regions, wintering in a cool but frost-free room is a good idea.
If the squill bush is planted in a bucket, it should be brought into the house in autumn or positioned on a base made of wood or polystyrene to protect it from freezing.