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(Scilla peruviana)
Portuguese Squill (Scilla peruviana)
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Jean Tosti
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Jean Tosti
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jean Tosti | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ | Uploader: Jeantosti | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Scilla_peruviana2.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description={{en|1=Fine specimen of Marula on road between Nylstroom and Potgietersrust, Transvaal, South Africa}} |Source=Own work by uploader |Author=[[User:Rotational|Rotational]] |Date=31 January 2009 |Permission=Public domain |other_ve |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Scilla peruviana, commonly known as Portuguese Squill, is an evergreen perennial bulb native to the western Mediterranean region, including coastal areas of Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. It thrives on cliffs, flats, and slopes, often in rocky limestone soils. This bulbous plant has a bulb 6–8 cm in diameter, covered by brown scales. The linear leaves measure 20–60 cm in length and 1–4 cm in width, with 5-15 leaves emerging each spring. The flowering stem stands 15–40 cm tall, topped with a dense pyramidal raceme of 40-100 star-shaped flowers. Each flower is strikingly blue, 1–2 cm in diameter, with six tepals, blooming in late spring to early summer. After flowering, the foliage dies back in summer and re-emerges in autumn.
Portuguese Squill is valued for its vibrant blue flowers that add a splash of color in spring gardens. It is often used in rock gardens, borders, and as underplanting for deciduous trees. While it is not entirely frost-hardy, it can be grown in milder climates or protected during cold spells. For best results, it should be planted in full sun to part shade, with well-drained soil, and provided with low to medium water. It is relatively low maintenance but may require protection from slugs and snails. Cultivars offer a range of colors from white to various shades of blue and violet.CC BY-SA 4.0
Portuguese Squill is valued for its vibrant blue flowers that add a splash of color in spring gardens. It is often used in rock gardens, borders, and as underplanting for deciduous trees. While it is not entirely frost-hardy, it can be grown in milder climates or protected during cold spells. For best results, it should be planted in full sun to part shade, with well-drained soil, and provided with low to medium water. It is relatively low maintenance but may require protection from slugs and snails. Cultivars offer a range of colors from white to various shades of blue and violet.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Height: 0.4-0.9 feet
- Width: 0.5-0.7 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to cliffs, flats, and slopes in the western Mediterranean region
Other Names
Common Names: Peruvian Scilla, Giant Squill, Giant Scilla, Peruvian Lily, Caribbean Jewels, Cuban Lily, Cuban-Lily, Hyacinth-Of-Peru, Jätteblåstjärna, Cuban Lily, Peruvian Jacinth
Scientific Names: , Scilla peruviana, Scilla hughii, Oncostema peruviana, Scilla peruviana subsp. elongata, Scilla hemisphaerica, Oncostema elongata, Scilla cupanii, Scilla sicula, Scilla cupaniana
GBIF Accepted Name: Scilla peruviana L.