Scilla peruviana
Scilla peruviana is a bulbous perennial. It is part of the Asparagaceae family of plants. It is native to the Mediterranean region. They also call it the Cuban Lily, Hyacinth of Peru, Portuguese Squill, Hyacinth of Peru, Pyramidal-flowered squill, or Peruvian jacinth. Carl Linnaeus named the plant in 1753. Previously, Carolus Clusius had published it as Hyacinthus stellatus peruanus.
The bulb is about 8cm or 3in in diameter. Scilla peruviana forms a rosette of narrow lance-shaped leave. They are dark green and grow to 60cm or 24in. The flowers grow on top of tall stalks forming a glob of color conical racemes. They are violet-blue. Each flower is star-shaped about 1.5cm or .5in. Scilla peruviana flowers in early summer.
How to grow Scilla peruviana:
Grow Scilla peruviana in the sun or partial shade. Plant the bulb about 10cm or 4in deep in humus-rich, fertile, and well-drained soil. Keep them drier during the summer dormant time after flowering. Propagate by division or seed. Watch out for bulb eelworm or slugs or virus.
Other synonyms for Scilla peruviana include:
Caloscilla elegans
Hyacinthus peruvianus
Melomphis peruviana
