Portuguese squill (Scilla peruviana)
Care, watering, light and tips for Portuguese squill on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Indirect light
- Temperature: 10–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Portuguese squill
Scilla peruviana, also known as Portuguese Squill or Cape Hyacinth, is a perennial bulbous plant that produces impressive conical flower spikes with hundreds of small, intense blue-violet flowers, often with a white center. It is native to the Mediterranean region, despite its name. It is ideal for large pots, garden borders, or as a focal point in rock gardens, where its spectacular spring bloom steals all attention.
Native range
Western Mediterranean region (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Northwest Africa)
Care tips
It requires full sun to partial shade and moderate watering, allowing the topsoil to dry out between waterings, especially after flowering when it enters dormancy. It prefers well-drained, organically rich soil; a bulb mix or garden soil with coarse sand is ideal. Avoid waterlogging, as its bulbs are prone to rot with excessive moisture, and do not over-fertilize during the dormancy period.
How to save a dying Portuguese squill
- Warning signs
- Soft, yellowing or spotted leaves, soft bulb.
- First aid
- Check bulb, remove rotten parts, repot in fresh, well-draining soil.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, which rots the bulb. Needs to dry between waterings.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the bulb is not completely rotted. Act fast.