Sea Squill

Drimia maritima

Light
Water
Low water. Water occasionally during fall-through-spring leaf growth, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Keep mostly dry during summer dormancy; avoid routine summer irrigation.
Description
A Mediterranean bulbous perennial with a massive, often partly exposed bulb, broad winter-growing leaves, and tall flower spikes. Also known as Drimia maritima.
Bloom Time
Deciduous / Evergreen
Growth Rate
Growth Habit
Flower Color
Foliage Color
Toxicity
Toxic to pets, livestock & humans if ingested
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun to light shade; afternoon shade is helpful in Phoenix, especially near heat-reflecting walls.

Water: Low water. Water occasionally during fall-through-spring leaf growth, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Keep mostly dry during summer dormancy; avoid routine summer irrigation.

Soil: Very well-drained sandy or gravelly soil. Use raised beds or gritty container mixes where native soil drains poorly; keep the bulb neck above soil level.

Mature size: Foliage approximately 1–2 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide; flower stalks commonly reach 3–6 feet tall.

Bloom: Established, mature bulbs typically bloom annually in late summer to early fall, often before new leaves appear. Young bulbs may take several years to flower.

Evergreen / deciduous: Summer-deciduous; leaves grow during the cooler months and die back in late spring or early summer.

Growth rate: Moderate seasonal leaf and flower growth; slow bulb enlargement and clump formation.