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BulbsConservatory Greenhouse

Scilla madeirensis

A sub-tropical perennial bulb, with a distinctive dark purple colour and thick, glossy green leaves to 30cm long, sometimes speckled with purple. Upright stems bear a bottlebrush-like spike of small, starry pale purple flowers in late autumn or early winter

Synonyms
Autonoe madeirensis
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn Purple Green
Winter Purple Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Potentially harmful
Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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
Madeira, Savage Is

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained potting mix, in containers with at least twice the bulb depth underneath for the roots. Plant the bulb with the neck and shoulders above the soil. Position in bright indirect light, and provide moderate humidity in growth; keep cool and dry during summer dormancy. See bulb cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division, separating offsets when plants are dormant in summer. Plants can be slow to produce offsets. See bulb propagation

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to anther smuts and virus diseases

Get involved

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