Scilla peruviana
Portuguese squill
S. peruviana is a more or less evergreen bulbous perennial to 30cm tall, forming a rosette of narrowly lance-shaped dark green leaves, with starry violet blue flowers 1.5cm wide, borne in large, conical racemes in early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Scilla are perennial bulbs with narrow basal leaves and erect stems bearing racemes of star-shaped, flat or bell-shaped flowers which are often blue
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mediterranean
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant bulbs 8-10cm deep in late summer or early autumn in a moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Under glass, grow in 2 parts loam-based compost (John Innes No 2) and 1 part each leafmould and grit, in full light. When in growth, water freely; keep dry during summer dormancy
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Rock garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
Pruning
No pruning necessary
Pests
Stem and bulb eelworm and slugs may be a problem
Diseases
Susceptible to a virus
Get involved
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