Drimia maritima

Drimia maritima

Sea Squill

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Taxonomy

Common Names

Sea SquillRed SquillSea OnionUrginea

Context

nativeRegion

Mediterranean Basin, including southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia.

usdaZones

8–11

companionPlants

Asphodelus spp., Agave spp., Euphorbia spp., Aloe spp.

culturalUses

Traditionally used as a medicinal and ornamental plant; bulbs historically used as rodent deterrent and in folk remedies.

Care

LightFull sun to partial shade; prefers bright light for optimal growth.

WateringWater sparingly, allowing soil to dry out between waterings; drought-tolerant when mature.

SoilWell-draining sandy or rocky soil; avoid waterlogged conditions.

FertilizerLow requirements; apply balanced, diluted fertilizer once at the beginning of the growing season if desired.

HumidityTolerates low humidity; does not require additional humidity indoors.

TemperaturePrefers mild Mediterranean climates; tolerates temperatures down to approximately -7°C (20°F) if kept dry.

HabitBulbous perennial with large bulb and basal rosette of leaves; produces tall flowering spike.

Mature SizeBulb up to 20 cm in diameter; flower stalk up to 2 meters tall.

Growth RateSlow growing; bulbs may take several years to reach flowering size.

BloomingBlooms late summer to early autumn before or with emerging leaves; tall spike with dense white flowers.

DormancyDormant in late autumn through winter; leaves die back.

MethodsSeed, Bulb offsets

DifficultyModerate; offsets are easiest, seeds slow to mature.

Best SeasonLate summer to early autumn, after flowering for offsets; spring for seed sowing.

PruningRemove spent flower stalks and dead foliage after dormancy begins.

RepottingEvery 3-5 years or when bulb outgrows its container; handle bulbs carefully.

Pests & DiseasesGenerally pest-resistant; may rarely attract mealybugs or rot if overwatered.

ToxicityToxic to humans and animals if ingested; contains cardiac glycosides.

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