Eradicating scilla

(Question)

Hello, I’m wondering what I should do about the invasive Scilla plants which are completely overwhelming my flower gardens and lawn.
We moved into this house one year ago, and at that time I wasn’t paying enough attention to the gardens although I was somewhat aware of the scilla even then.
Having ignored them then, they flourished and now completely fill the flower gardens and are popping throughout the lawn.
After decades of gardening, I find that I have little energy now to continue to battle them. So far this spring, I have spent many hours out here pulling them out and it’s a losing battle, as they continue to appear in droves and spread.
I’m about to give up, and I wonder what will happen going forward.
Will perennials or shrubs that I plant have difficulty surviving with the competition from thousands of scilla bulbs taking the nutrition from the soil?
And, similarly will the grass in the lawn be able to thrive with this competition?
I would very much appreciate your help with this vexing problem.
Thank you very much.

(Answer)

 

Thank you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners with your vexing problem of invasive Scilla bulbs.

Scilla siberica is an introduced species, native to Russia, which was introduced here as an ornamental plant. It is attractive and easy to cultivate, as it spreads widely with very little encouragement or care needed. This species is a member of the Asparagaceae (asparagus family).

A Cooperative Extension article ‘Eradicate scilla’ offers suggestions for its eradication. https://ask.extension.org/questions/556761

Our Toronto Master Gardener Gardening Guide ‘Tackling Weeds Organically’ offers some possible suggestions: https://torontomastergardeners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Organic-Weed-Control.pdf

I have not been able to determine if scilla drains significant nutrition from either lawn or perennial plants.

Unfortunately there is no easy solution to your problem. Digging appears to be the main method of eradication.

We hope that the combined methods of eradication will, at least, see a reduction in the number of Scilla plants that invade your garden.