Indigenous Nursery News Blog

Growing the Indigenous Bulb Scilla natalensis

Have you ever wondered how to plant bulbs? We grow the beautiful Scilla natalensis (Blue Squill) bulbs here at Random Harvest Indigenous Plant Nursery, and thought we would share with you how we grow them. 

They are such a lovely accent plant with their large grey green leaves, that even when not in flower they are very handsome indeed.  This indigenous flowering bulb is in full bloom in Spring and early Summer.

 

The tall spikes of sky blue flowers adorn the plant, and if there is a large number of them together it looks like a blue haze of flowers.

 

  1. Before you start, make sure that the site receives partial or light shade only, but this plant grows well in full sun too.  
  2. It is equally striking in a container or in the open ground in a rockery.
  3. The soil should be well-drained and have compost worked into it.
  4. When planting out, carefully remove the plant from the soil in the bag, making sure not to damage the roots.
  5.  Plant this pretty plant with half its leaf-scale-covered bulb showing.

Comments

Got something to say? Join the discussion »
    Posted @ 9/19/2016 11:41 AM by Heather Balcomb   
    Heather Balcomb's avatar

    Hello Gill,
    I am really not sure if they are poisonous to porcupines! We are going to try and find out for you and get back to you as soon as possible.
    Pitta Joffe mentions in her book "Creative Gardening With Indigenous Plants" that sheep are poisoned by it - but that is probably the leaves. She also records that it is used medicinally to "heal internal tumours, boils, sores, fractures and sprains", so there may be parts that are not toxic.
    Perhaps until we can give you a more decisive answer, you could plant them in a container? The do make a magnificent pot-plant, especially when in flower, but even when they just have their leaves.

    Posted @ 9/12/2016 10:04 AM by Gill leslie   
    Gill leslie's avatar

    Thank you I came to the nursery when in Jhburg and bought three.They are doing well but I am nervous to plant them out as I am scared the porcupines will eat the bulbs.Do you know if they find them delicious or poisonous?kind regards Gill

    Posted @ 7/28/2016 10:06 PM by Heather Balcomb   
    Heather Balcomb's avatar

    Hi Gill,
    Thanks for your enquiry. The retail price is R39 per plant, excluding any shipping costs.
    Please contact the nursery on 082 553 0598 or 011 957 5354 if you would like any further information.

    Posted @ 7/28/2016 10:06 PM by Heather Balcomb   
    Heather Balcomb's avatar

    Hi Gill,
    Thanks for your enquiry. The retail price is R39 per plant, excluding any shipping costs.
    Please contact the nursery on 082 553 0598 or 011 957 5354 if you would like any further information.

    Posted @ 7/28/2016 11:33 AM by Gill   
    Gill's avatar

    What is retail price per plant of Scilla natalensis?

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