Scientific Name
Ledebouria ovatifolia (Baker) Jessop
Common Name(s)
Flat-leaved African Hyacinth
Synonym(s)
Ledebouria ovatifolia subsp. ovatifolia, Scilla ovatifolia, Scilla albomarginata, Scilla cicatricosa, Scilla climacocarpha, Scilla collina, Scilla elegans, Scilla guttata, Scilla lanceifolia var. ovatifolia
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Scilloideae
Tribe: Hyacintheae
Subtribe: Massoniinae
Genus: Ledebouria
Description
Ledebouria ovatifolia is a deciduous bulbous plant favored by succulent growers. The broadly oval leaves may be attractively spotted, unspotted, or irregularly blotched, sometimes shiny and highly polished, although mostly dull. They are appressed tightly to the soil surface. The flower spikes are produced in spring and summer. Numerous small, wine-red to cerise-pink flowers are arranged in a bottle brush-like structure along the flower stalk.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Silver Squill is often cultivated as a houseplant and grows well with minimal care. However, 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 down to 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 up the bulbs in the spring, but no more than three bulbs in a single 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) pot. 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 mixture to dry out between waterings. When the new roots should be well established, treat the plants in the normal way. Break up overcrowded clumps every 2 or 3 years.
See more at How to Grow and Care for a Silver Squill.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa and Lesotho.
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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