Scilla peruviana White Moon

Scilla peruviana 'White Moon' is a variety of Peruvian Squill that stands out for its star-shaped flowers in pure white. They cluster together on a large conical inflorescence. It is a bulbous plant with quite spectacular spring flowering. Easy to grow in Mediterranean climates, in soil that is not too dry in spring, it also thrives in gardens further north, provided it is given perfect drainage and a very sunny exposure. Growing it in pots allows for better control of the growing conditions in less favourable climates.

Scilla peruviana 'White Moon' is a horticultural selection that was introduced to gardening enthusiasts at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2019. This cultivar produces large 10 cm diameter heads, each containing up to 100 small star-shaped, pure white flowers. Even before opening, the cone-shaped inflorescences are astonishing. With a large layered bulb, this squill develops a large tufted rosette of foliage during autumn and winter; it consists of long lanceolate dark green, shiny leaves, forming a tuft. In May-June, depending on the climate, each clump of leaves produces a 20 to 30 cm tall flower stalk in its centre, bearing at its tip a large corymb where numerous small flowers cluster together. Once the flowering is over, the foliage dries up and disappears until the following autumn.

Contrary to what its name suggests, Scilla peruviana (syn. Oncostema peruviana) is not native to Peru, but to the Mediterranean region. It was transported from Spain to England in the holds of the ship "La Peruviana"; the botanist who described it made an unfortunate confusion with the name of the ship and its geographical origin. A plant of the Lily family, the Peruvian squill is native to Portugal, Italy, Spain, and North Africa. Its natural habitat consists of bushes, meadows, humid rocky areas, or coastal regions of these countries. Quite sensitive (-10°C) in wet soil, we therefore advise you to ensure good soil drainage and to mulch it in cooler climates.

This Peruvian squill 'White Moon' can be used in borders, rockeries, or even in pots. It fits well in a small Mediterranean composition, with Madonna Lilies, autumn crocus imposters, Algerian iris, and hybrid hyacinths. It also finds a place in borders or at the base of spring-flowering shrubs. A plant for well-drained soils, it also thrives in rockeries, where it does not require any particular care.