Scientific Name
Ledebouria galpinii (Baker) S.Venter & T.J.Edwards
Synonym(s)
Scilla galpinii
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Scilloideae
Tribe: Hyacintheae
Subtribe: Massoniinae
Genus: Ledebouria
Origin
Ledebouria galpinii is native to South Africa.
Description
Ledebouria galpinii is an attractive, deciduous, bulbous plant that forms small clusters. In winter, it goes dormant and loses all its leaves, which are dark purplish-green and have pits on the upper surface. The leaves grow back in spring.
Inflorescences are produced in summer and bear multiple pink to lilac flowers.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 10b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Silver Squill is often cultivated as a houseplant and grows with minimal care. It requires bright light with 3 to 4 hours a day of direct sunlight.
During the active growth period, interior temperatures are fine for Silver Squill's grown as houseplants. Outdoor plants can withstand winter temperatures below 30 °F (-1 °C). Try growing Silver Squill outdoors during spring and summer when ambient temperatures are at least 60 °F (15 °C). In cold regions, move the plant back indoors.
Use a soil-based potting mixture and plant Silver Squill bulbs in pans or half-pots. Pot the bulbs in the spring, but no more than three in a single pot 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in diameter. Space the bulbs evenly over the surface and bury only the bottom half of each bulb in the potting mixture. During the first 4 or 6 weeks, do not feed the plants and water sparingly, allowing the top half of the potting mix to dry out between waterings. When the new roots are well established, treat the plants in the normal way. Break up overcrowded clumps every 2 or 3 years.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for a Silver Squill.
Links
- Back to genus Ledebouria
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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