Alphabetical Plant Listing

Scilla peruviana (Portuguese Squill)

Peruvian Scilla, Portuguese Squill, Cuban Lily, Hyacinth of Peru, Pyramidal-flowered Squill, Peruvian Jacinth, Spring Bulbs, Spring Flowers


Native to the western Mediterranean region, Scilla peruviana (Portuguese Squill) is a bulbous perennial forming a basal rosette of up to 10 lance-shaped, semi-erect, dark green leaves. In late spring to early summer, large conical clusters, 6 in. across (15 cm), bearing up to 50 starry violet blue flowers are on display. These unique flowers have an impressively long bloom time, 3 weeks or more. Scilla peruviana is a useful showstopper as it bridges the gap between late flowering tulips and the first of the herbaceous perennials. This tender bulb is ideal for container-growing in cold climates or for garden use in mild climates, where it brings splendid glory.

  • Typically grows up to 4-10 in. tall (10-25 cm) and 6-8 in. wide (15-20 cm). Bulbs are dormant for only a short time after the leaves wither.
  • Easily grown in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. Water freely during the growing season and keep dry during summer dormancy.
  • Keep an eye out for stem and bulb eelworm and slugs.
  • To be planted in fall.
  • Propagate by seed or division.
  • The whole plant is poisonous. Ingestion may cause severe discomfort. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling.

Learn How To Plant And Care for Your Spring Flower Bulbs

 To achieve optimum flowering results, it is important to plant the bulbs at the right time.

Read More

Not sure which Scilla - Squills to pick?
Compare All Scilla - Squills

Buy Scilla peruviana (Portuguese Squill)

Requirements

Hardiness 8 – 9
Heat Zones 8 – 9
Climate Zones 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Scilla - Squills
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 4" – 10" (10cm – 25cm)
Spread 6" – 8" (15cm – 20cm)
Spacing 3" – 4" (7cm – 10cm)
Depth 3" – 4" (7cm – 10cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage

Buy Plants

Guides with Scilla - Squills


Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 8 – 9
Heat Zones 8 – 9
Climate Zones 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Scilla - Squills
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 4" – 10" (10cm – 25cm)
Spread 6" – 8" (15cm – 20cm)
Spacing 3" – 4" (7cm – 10cm)
Depth 3" – 4" (7cm – 10cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage

Guides with Scilla - Squills

Plant Calculator

How many Scilla peruviana (Portuguese Squill) do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Scilla peruviana (Portuguese Squill)

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.