Water
Water regularly during the growing season (spring and autumn), but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during the summer dormancy period to prevent rot.
Also known as Cuban-Lily · Giant Squill · Hyacinth-Of-Peru
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Portuguese Squill (Scilla peruviana) is a bulbous perennial producing a dense raceme of star-shaped blue-violet flowers in spring.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade. Afternoon shade in hot climates.
80% intensity
Water moderately during growth, allow to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce in summer dormancy.
60% intensity
Requires well-drained soil. Sandy loam or gritty compost is ideal to prevent bulb rot.
50% intensity
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures during growth (10-20°C). Tolerates light frost.
70% intensity
Growing season
Outdoor, Greenhouse
50% intensity
Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing.
40% intensity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the growing season (spring and autumn), but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during the summer dormancy period to prevent rot.
Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to prevent seed formation and direct energy back to the bulb. Foliage should be left to die back naturally in spring or early summer before it turns yellow and brittle.
Easily propagated by offsets (bulblets) removed from the parent bulb during repotting in late summer or early autumn. Seeds can be sown fresh, but flowering may take several years.
Repot bulbs every 2-3 years in late summer or early autumn when they are dormant. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the bulbs are not overcrowded. This is also a good time to divide any offsets.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Portuguese Squill (Scilla peruviana)
Where Portuguese Squill (Scilla peruviana) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Scilla |
| Species | Scilla peruviana |
Similar in genus Scilla
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
