Scilla peruviana - Giant Squill

Scilla peruviana - 'Giant Squill'

'Portuguese Squill'

Pot size: Quart - 1 actively growing bulb

Scilla peruviana, also known as Portuguese squill, is a spring-blooming bulb with show stopping intense blue-violet flowers with contrasting yellow anthers. The flowerheads can be the size of a softball, with star-like florets that open gradually over a period of 3 weeks or more. The plants have long, strappy leaves similar to amaryllis to which they are related.

This perennial bulb is native to the Mediterranean area, despite the name. When the bulbs get enough moisture, they retain their foliage almost year-round. In areas with dry summers, the bulbs go dormant shortly after they bloom and sprout new leaves in the fall as these are doing now.

Zones: 7-10
Size: to 6-12" tall flower stalk x 18-24" wide strappy leaves
Light: Full sun to part shade.
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or gritty, not too rich.
Water: Weekly during growth, while flowering and just after flowering. OK to keep seasonally dry during dormancy.
Bloom: Early to mid-Spring