Peruvian scilla
Scilla peruviana · Asparagaceae
📷 Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Bulbe et feuilles contiennent saponines ; chiens, chats et enfants risquent troubles digestifs par ingestion.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant peruvian scilla: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Scilla peruviana
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Type
- Perennial bulb
- Adult height
- 30 to 40 cm
- Flowering
- May to June
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Hardiness
- -5 to -10 °C
- Origin
- Mediterranean region (Spain, Portugal)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Peruvian Squill prefers well-drained soil and partial sun exposure in warm climates. Water moderately after planting, then let the rain take over.
The common mistake
Burying it too deep or in wet clay soil: the bulb rots before it even flowers.
The pro's trick
Plant bulbs barely covered, near the surface, in a light mix enriched with sand or gravel.
Care
Light
Plant your Peruvian squill in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a bright location that encourages generous flowering. Avoid overly dark areas that would slow down its development.
Soil and planting
Use well-draining, light and slightly sandy soil. Plant the bulbs in autumn (September to November), 8-10 cm deep and spaced 10 to 15 cm apart. Improve the soil with sand or gravel if it tends to retain moisture.
Watering
Water moderately after planting and during spring growth. Once established, the plant tolerates summer drought well. In winter, reduce watering considerably since the foliage goes dormant.
Fertilizing
A balanced fertilizer application in spring (when foliage emerges) is more than sufficient. Bone meal or slow-release bulb fertilizer at planting time also helps establishment.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is necessary. Simply let the foliage yellow naturally after flowering before removing it. This allows the bulb to accumulate reserves for the following year.
Diseases and pests
The Peruvian squill is generally very hardy. Watch for excess moisture that could lead to bulb rot, particularly in winter. Ensure good soil aeration and avoid excessive watering during cold periods.
Did you know?
Despite its name "Peruvian," the Peruvian squill doesn't originate from South America but from the Mediterranean region, particularly the Spanish and Portuguese coasts. This toponymic confusion traces back to botanical confusion among naturalists in the 17th century. Its spectacular flowering with dense blue flower clusters has made it a classic feature of Mediterranean gardens for over three centuries.
Where to buy it
Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring flowering. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from September to November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Lily of the valleyConvallaria majalis
- Spiny-headed Mat-rushLomandra longifolia
- Siberian squillScilla siberica
- Century plantAgave americana
- Sea squillDrimia maritima
- Armenian grape hyacinthMuscari armeniacum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.