Sea Squill

drimia maritima

Also known as: ["Urginea maritima","Scilla maritima"]

Family: Asparagaceae Genus: Drimia Category: Flowers

Overview

A bulbous perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region, known for its large, strap-like leaves and tall spikes of white or pinkish flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Drimia
Botanical Name: Drimia maritima

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, coastal areas, or containers in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy, or gritty soil with some organic matter; cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when leaves turn yellow/brown.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or discolored foliage.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to bright indirect light; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight in cooler months, reduce to 4–6 hours in intense summer heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; place in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates.

Warning Signs: Soft, mushy bulb; yellowing or wilting leaves despite proper watering; stunted growth or failure to flower.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat; avoid direct sun in winter if temperatures drop below 50°F.

Watering

every 2–3 weeks during active growth, reduce to monthly in dormancy

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.

Soil

well-draining, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy, water-retentive soils; amend with grit if soil is too dense.

Temperature

Prefers 60–80°F (15–27°C); tolerates cooler temperatures down to 40°F (4°C) in winter; avoid frost.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; adjust watering based on temperature.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months during active growth, none in dormancy

Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding during dormancy; use a cactus-specific fertilizer for best results.

Propagation

Methods

Seed or bulb division; stem cuttings are less common and less successful.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Separate offsets from the parent bulb.
  2. Plant in a well-draining medium.
  3. Water sparingly until roots develop.

Best Time: Spring, when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–80°F), humid, and bright but indirect light; protect from direct sun until established.

Medium

Well-draining mix of sand, perlite, and peat moss; or cactus/succulent potting mix.

Hormone

Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seeds or cuttings.

Timeline

Seeds may take 1–2 years to germinate and establish; bulb division can produce new plants in 1–2 growing seasons.

Tools Needed

Clean knife or shears, small pots, well-draining soil mix.

Quick Tips

Use fresh seeds for best germination; ensure bulbs are firm and healthy before division; keep seedlings consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut leaves back to the base with clean, sharp tools; avoid cutting into the bulb itself.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and prevent disease.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Use clean tools; cut dead leaves to the base; avoid damaging the bulb.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, just before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one; ensure it has drainage holes.

Method

Remove the bulb carefully; trim any dead roots; plant in fresh, well-draining soil with the bulb slightly above the soil line.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the bulb outgrows its container; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.

Checklist

Use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; plant bulb slightly above soil level; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to target the base of the plant without disturbing the bulb.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly during active growth (spring-summer), allowing soil to dry between waterings; reduce or cease watering in winter dormancy.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, sand, or pumice to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf burn in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold stress; bulb shriveling in prolonged cold.

Cold Stress

Slows metabolic processes; may cause root rot if soil remains wet; can lead to bulb damage if temperatures drop below freezing.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil is dry; provide frost protection if temperatures approach freezing.

Hot Stress

Causes leaf scorch, wilting, or premature flowering; may lead to dehydration if watered improperly.

Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize monthly during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Drimia maritima may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and overall vigor.

Wilting in Drimia maritima can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, affecting turgor pressure and potentially leading to cell damage.

Leaf spots on Drimia maritima are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic area and potential spread of infection to other parts of the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or basal rot, can occur in Drimia maritima due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Drimia maritima poses a toxic risk to cats, primarily due to its cardiac glycoside content, which can lead to severe cardiovascular and gastrointestinal issues in felines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite weakness irregular heartbeat difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulb leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

If a cat ingests any part of the plant, seek veterinary care without delay.
Dogs
Toxic

Drimia maritima is toxic to dogs due to the presence of cardiac glycosides, which can cause significant cardiovascular and gastrointestinal distress in canines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite weakness irregular heartbeat difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulb leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

If a dog ingests any part of the plant, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Drimia maritima contains toxic compounds, including cardiac glycosides, which can have severe physiological effects on humans, particularly affecting the cardiovascular system. Ingestion can lead to serious health complications.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain irregular heartbeat dizziness confusion
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulb leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep away from children and pets. In case of ingestion, seek immediate medical attention.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Drimia maritima toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does Drimia maritima require a lot of water?

A: No, it is drought tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.

Q: What are the common uses of Drimia maritima?

A: It is primarily used for ornamental purposes and has historical medicinal uses.

Quick Reference
Family: Asparagaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 2–3 weeks during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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