× Chionoscilla
Encyclopedia
× Chionoscilla is the genus name used for hybrids between the two closely related genera Chionodoxa
and Scilla
.
The hybrids between Scilla bifolia
and Chionodoxa siehei
were named × Chionoscilla allenii G.Nicholson, after their discoverer, James Allen. He noticed them in his garden in Shepton Mallet
, England, at the end of the nineteenth century. As with most hybrids, individual plants vary; some have been given cultivar
names, e.g. 'Fra Angelica'. Like its parents, × Chionoscilla allenii grows from bulbs and flowers freely in early spring. The flowers are various shades of blue from lilac to violet and are intermediate in size between those of the parents, up to 2.5 cm in diameter when fully open.
The World Checklist of Selected Plant Families regards Chionodoxa as part of Scilla, in which case the correct name for Chionoscilla allenii is Scilla × allenii (G.Nicholson) Speta.
Chionodoxa
Chionodoxa ' is a small genus of bulbous perennials in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae. The genus is endemic to the eastern Mediterranean region, specifically Crete, Cyprus and Turkey. The blue, white or pink flowers appear early in the year making them valuable garden ornamentals...
and Scilla
Scilla
Scilla is a genus of about 50 bulb-forming perennial herbs in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae, native to woodlands, subalpine meadows, and seashores throughout Europe and Asia...
.
The hybrids between Scilla bifolia
Scilla bifolia
Scilla bifolia is a herbaceous perennial growing from an underground bulb, belonging to the genus Scilla of the Asparagaceae family....
and Chionodoxa siehei
Chionodoxa siehei
Chionodoxa siehei or Siehe's Glory-of-the-Snow is a bulbous perennial from west Turkey flowering in early spring. After flowering, it goes into dormancy until the next spring. It seeds readily to form colonies.-Description:...
were named × Chionoscilla allenii G.Nicholson, after their discoverer, James Allen. He noticed them in his garden in Shepton Mallet
Shepton Mallet
Shepton Mallet is a small rural town and civil parish in the Mendip district of Somerset in South West England. Situated approximately south of Bristol and east of Wells, the town is estimated to have a population of 9,700. It contains the administrative headquarters of Mendip District Council...
, England, at the end of the nineteenth century. As with most hybrids, individual plants vary; some have been given cultivar
Cultivar
A cultivar'Cultivar has two meanings as explained under Formal definition. When used in reference to a taxon, the word does not apply to an individual plant but to all those plants sharing the unique characteristics that define the cultivar. is a plant or group of plants selected for desirable...
names, e.g. 'Fra Angelica'. Like its parents, × Chionoscilla allenii grows from bulbs and flowers freely in early spring. The flowers are various shades of blue from lilac to violet and are intermediate in size between those of the parents, up to 2.5 cm in diameter when fully open.
The World Checklist of Selected Plant Families regards Chionodoxa as part of Scilla, in which case the correct name for Chionoscilla allenii is Scilla × allenii (G.Nicholson) Speta.