How to Care Guide: Scilla peruviana (Infographic)

Portuguese Squill (Scilla peruviana) is a Mediterranean and southern African Scilla species that grows 6 to 18 inches tall and has up to 15 basal leaves; new leaves emerge in the fall. Early in the summer, it produces spherical racemes of 50 to 100 half-inch broad star-shaped blooms. Blooms are white and purplish blue.

Portuguese Squill Infographic

Portuguese Squill Basics

Name	Portuguese Squill
Botanical Name	Scilla peruviana
Flower Color	White and Purplish blue
Height	6-18 inches
Sun	Full or Part Sun
Soil	Well drained
Bloom Time	Early Summer
Zone	Zones 8 to 9
Plant Depth	3 inches
Plant Spacing	2 inches apart
Density	15-16 per sq. ft.

Portuguese Squill Planting Requirements

Portuguese Squill (Scilla peruviana): Other Names

Scilla peruviana is also called Cuban Lily or Peruvian Jacinth.

Portuguese Squill (Scilla peruviana): Size

Scilla peruviana grows to 6-18 inches tall.

Are Portuguese Squill (Scilla peruviana) plants Deer Resistant?

Portuguese Squill plants are deer resistant.

Where to Plant Portuguese Squill (Scilla peruviana)

Scilla peruviana should be planted in well-drained soil. The best place to plant it is in full light. Make sure the plant gets full sun in the spring if it’s planted under deciduous trees that get partial to full shade. When your Scilla peruviana is actively growing, it needs plenty of sunlight.

Sun	Full to Part Sun
Soil	Well drained

Portuguese Squill Planting Requirements

How to Plant Scilla peruviana

Plant your Scilla peruviana bulbs in the fall, 3 to 4 inches deep in the ground and 2 inches apart. Plant them in drifts for the maximum impact; if you just plant one or two here and there, they’ll get lost in the spring garden. While planted in clusters of 20 to 50 bulbs or more, they look spectacular.

How Many Portuguese Squill Bulbs to Plant in a Flower Bed?

You can plant 15-16 per sq. ft. Portuguese Squill bulbs per square foot. Use the Portuguese Squill bulb calculator below to calculate how many bulbs you need for your garden.

How to Propagate Scilla peruviana

Scilla peruviana plants freely produce offsets and also self-sow. They’re great for naturalizing, and if left alone, they’ll grow into enormous, showy colonies. In early summer, divide the clumps and separate the offsets and seedlings by digging and dividing the clumps.