Consulta Plantas

Care of the bulbous plant Scilla latifolia or Giant Squill

The genus Scilla, family Asparagaceae, comprises 90 species of bulbous plants native to Asia, Africa and Europe. Some species are: Scilla latifolia, Scilla obtusifolia, Scilla bifolia, Scilla autumnalis, Scilla lanceolata, Scilla italica, Scilla lanceolata, Scilla peruviana, Scilla natalensis, Scilla sibirica, Scilla odorata.

Common names: Giant Squill, Canary Islands Bulb Forming Plant. This species is native to the Canary Islands and Morocco.

They are bulbous plants with elongated or linear leaves that reach 40 cm (15.74") in height when they bloom; it has the edges of the leaves bent towards the midrib. The small flowers appear at the end of the stem gathered in spikes and are blue and white.

They are used in rockery, to form groups of bulbous plants, in borders, in pots and as cut flowers.

Scilla latifolia needs full sun or semi-shade exposure; if the weather is very warm, place them in the shade.

The soil should be well drained and be a mixture of 1/3 peat, 1/3 garden soil, and 1/3 sand.

Water moderately to prevent bulbs from rotting; they can withstand a few days of drought.

Fertilize the soil with organic fertilizer two months before planting the bulbs.

They are propagated by division of the bulbs when the leaves have turned yellow (summer-autumn).

Images of the bulbous plant Scilla latifolia or Giant Squill