Blue Squill

From behemoth bulbs, the tall, amethyst flower stems support gorgeous, large plumes of dazzling blue flowers. The incredible show will last for around a month as the florets open in succession from the base to the tip of the stem.

Each plume is made up of around 100, star shaped flowers that are around 1.5cm across and have a delicious, yet soft, honey perfume that is best appreciated in the evening. They are suitable for cutting and make fabulous and unusual additions to arrangements.*

The handsome, upright, basal foliage forms at the time of flowering. The grey-green, lance like leaves are broad and upright, usually with a purple border and reverse. The foliage grows to around 20-30cm with the flower and extends up to 60cm as the bloom fades. Late autumn it begins to yellow coming into winter dormancy.

Blue Squill is endemic to South Africa where it grows in the mountains. The bulbs should be planted so the neck is exposed and will grow large, averaging 10-15cm across. Their brown, papery scales are a nice feature.

Blue Squill bulbs may take a season or so to settle in before flowering but are worth the wait. Plant in rockeries, pots or beds or border in clumps or swathes. The bulbs grow during summer and in dry conditions may require water to flower at their best. They remain dormant in winter.

Merwilla plumbea was previously known as Scilla natalensis. Common names include Blue Squill, Wild Squill, Blue Hyacinth, Blue Mountain Lily and Bloubergleelie. Frost hardy to -7C in cold climates they benefit from being grown in large pots.

* These bulbs are of flowering size but often they take a season to settle in before flowering at their best.