Drimia maritima aka Red Squill

Taxonomy

Drimia maritima, also known as Urginea maritima, is a flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae. It is native to southern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa and goes by several common names such as squill, sea squill, sea onion, and maritime squill. This deciduous, borderline hardy, bulbous perennial produces long, lance-shaped, mid- to grey-green leaves and dense racemes of small, veined, star-shaped, white flowers that bloom in late summer and early autumn before the leaves emerge. Red Squill is a form of D. maritima that produces red-tinged flowers instead of white. This large bulb from the Mediterranean coastal areas requires protection below 28F and needs to be brought indoors in colder climates. The plant thrives in well-drained, sandy soils, but can also be grown in heavier soils if on a slope.

Common names

Red Squill, Sea Onion, Sea Squill

How to care for Red Squill

Difficulty

Red Squill requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Soil

Red Squill loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Red Squill requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Red Squill will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Red Squill is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.


More info:
Wikipedia