Urginea maritima

Urginea Maritima, or sea squill, is a perennial bulbous plant that blooms in late summer. From August to October, this protected species bears a multitude of small flowers ranging from 2 to 6mm in diameter, with star-shaped white petals streaked with green on the outside and pinkish-brown on the inside. The floral buds are pale greenish-purple. Its flowers are fragrant and clustered in compact spikes that can reach 15 to 35cm (6 to 14in) in length. They consist of 6 tepals and 6 stamens.

The flowering is honey-rich. The flowers rise above a long central stem, and develop before the foliage. The large basal leaves appear in autumn. They are narrow, emerald green speckled with acid green, and measure from 30cm (12in) to 1m (3ft) in length.

The sea squill grows rapidly to a height of 1.5m (5ft) at maturity. It is a moderately hardy species native to the Mediterranean. It is cultivated in open ground or in rockeries. Its flowers can be cut to make beautiful bouquets. Its bulb is very large, measuring 15cm (6in) in diameter.

Handle it with caution as it is a toxic plant.