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Collector's item

Urginea maritima

Urginea maritima
Sea squill, Crusaders' spears, Maritime squill, Medicinal squill, Sea onion, Seaside squill, Squill, Squills

4,4/5
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I found this bulb at a fair, so today on 20/01/2017, I believe with your advice, I will save my three bulbs. They have a very beautiful flower that I have never seen in the south of France.

josiane, 29/01/2017

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

A perennial with a dense spike of white flowers striated with green and pinkish-brown.
Flower size
25 cm
Height at maturity
1.50 m
Spread at maturity
30 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -12°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time August to October
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Description

Urginea Maritima, or sea squill, is a perennial bulbous plant that blooms in late summer. From August to October, this protected species bears a multitude of small flowers ranging from 2 to 6mm in diameter, with star-shaped white petals streaked with green on the outside and pinkish-brown on the inside. The floral buds are pale greenish-purple. Its flowers are fragrant and clustered in compact spikes that can reach 15 to 35cm (6 to 14in) in length. They consist of 6 tepals and 6 stamens.

 

The flowering is honey-rich. The flowers rise above a long central stem, and develop before the foliage. The large basal leaves appear in autumn. They are narrow, emerald green speckled with acid green, and measure from 30cm (12in) to 1m (3ft) in length.

The sea squill grows rapidly to a height of 1.5m (5ft) at maturity. It is a moderately hardy species native to the Mediterranean. It is cultivated in open ground or in rockeries. Its flowers can be cut to make beautiful bouquets. Its bulb is very large, measuring 15cm (6in) in diameter.

Handle it with caution as it is a toxic plant.

Urginea maritima in pictures

Urginea maritima (Flowering) Flowering
Urginea maritima (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.50 m
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time August to October
Flower size 25 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Urginea

Species

maritima

Family

Hyacinthaceae

Other common names

Sea squill, Crusaders' spears, Maritime squill, Medicinal squill, Sea onion, Seaside squill, Squill, Squills

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Planting and care

Urginea maritima thrives in full sun. This species is perfectly adapted to long periods of drought and tolerates sea spray. Plant the bulbs spaced apart in autumn or spring, making sure to add plenty of sand. Choose sandy or rocky soil that is poor to medium and well-drained. Preferably, opt for limestone soil. During the growth period, water the plants once or twice a week. During the dormant period, keep the soil slightly moist. Protect it from moisture in winter. As for maintenance, let the foliage turn yellow before removing it. Urginea has no known pests or diseases.

Planting period

Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Type of use Border
Hardiness Hardy down to -12°C (USDA zone 8a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Experienced
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, Well-drained.

Care

Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,4/5
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