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
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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
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
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
H1CBotanical 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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