Ledebouria socialis (Silver Squill)

Common Name: “Silver Squill”; “Wood Hyacinth”; “Leopard Lily”

Scientific Classification:
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae (yep, same as Asparagus!)
Sub-Family: Scilloideae
Genus: Ledebouria
Species: L. socialis

Native To: South Africa

Growing Specs:

• Appearance: Perennial succulent bulb. Bulbs are teardrop-shaped and grow entirely above ground. Fleshy, stalkless, broadly lance-shaped, pointed leaves are mottled silver and olive green with deep violet undersides, growing 2-4″ long. Grows 6-10″ high.
  
• Flowering: Dense clusters of tiny, green flowers edged with white and purple stamens appear in spring. 
• Hardiness: Hardy to about 30 degrees F.

Care Requirements: Prefers mostly shade! Drought tolerant. It can tolerate wet weather, but it does prefer to dry out between waterings.

Propagation: The easiest method is by separating the bulbs when they eventually fill the pot. Can also be grown from seed, but the process will be very slow.

Toxicity: All parts of the plant are poisonous to both humans and pets if ingested. Check out my Pet Safety Guide for more information.

Xylem Rising’s Observations: What a unique-looking plant! I love it because it’s a shade plant, and due to living in a redwood forest, I have mostly shade. It can be grown indoors or out.

~CRK.

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All photo rights belong to Cristie R. Kiley. Please ask permission before taking.