Silver Squill
(Ledebouria socialis)
Silver Squill (Ledebouria socialis)
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Forest and Kim Starr
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Forest and Kim Starr
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CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Forest and Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Starr Environmental | Publisher: Flickr


























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ledebouria socialis, commonly known as Silver Squill, is an evergreen perennial bulb native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, where it thrives in the underbrush of rocky outcrops and shaded areas. It typically grows to a height of 0.3-0.8 feet (0.09-0.2 meters) and a width of 0.2-0.3 feet (0.06-0.09 meters). The plant features a rosette of fleshy, lance-shaped leaves that are green with silver spots on the upper surface and a purple underside, adding to its ornamental appeal. During the spring, it produces small, inconspicuous white flowers on tall, thin stalks that may not be particularly showy but add a delicate touch to its overall appearance.
Silver Squill is valued for its unique foliage, which makes it a popular choice for container gardens, rockeries, and as an indoor houseplant. It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-care plants. In cultivation, it prefers part shade but can tolerate bright, indirect light. It requires well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly to prevent root rot. Overwatering is a common issue, so it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings. Silver Squill is not known for having significant disease or pest problems, but mealybugs and scale insects can occasionally be a concern. It is not invasive and poses little threat to ecosystems outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Silver Squill is valued for its unique foliage, which makes it a popular choice for container gardens, rockeries, and as an indoor houseplant. It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-care plants. In cultivation, it prefers part shade but can tolerate bright, indirect light. It requires well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly to prevent root rot. Overwatering is a common issue, so it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings. Silver Squill is not known for having significant disease or pest problems, but mealybugs and scale insects can occasionally be a concern. It is not invasive and poses little threat to ecosystems outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Height: 0.3-0.8 feet
- Width: 0.2-0.3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
The underbrush of rocky outcrops and shaded areas in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Wood Hyacinth, Leopard Lily, Syskonstjärna
Scientific Names: , Ledebouria socialis, Scilla violacea, Ledebouria violacea, Scilla socialis, Scilla paucifolia, Scilla laxiflora,
GBIF Accepted Name: Ledebouria socialis (Baker) Jessop