Sea Daffodil

pancratium maritimum

Also known as: ["Sand Lily","Sea Lily"]

Family: Amaryllidaceae Genus: Pancratium Category: Flowers

Overview

A bulbous perennial plant native to coastal regions of the Mediterranean, characterized by white, fragrant flowers with long, narrow petals.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Genus: Pancratium
Botanical Name: Pancratium maritimum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: coastal gardens or sandy soils near the sea
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining; essential to prevent bulb rot.
  • Soil Type: Sandy, gritty, and well-draining soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when foliage dies back.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or yellowing leaves.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours direct sunlight daily); tolerates coastal conditions with high light intensity.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ideal for coastal gardens or sandy, open areas.

Warning Signs: Yellowing or rotting bulbs; mold or fungus growth on soil surface; stunted growth despite proper care.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Full sun lover; coastal tolerant; avoid deep shade.

Watering

every 2–3 weeks during active growth, sparingly in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

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

Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; add grit if needed.

Temperature

Prefers warm to hot temperatures (20–30°C); hardy to mild frosts but thrives in heat.

Thrives in heat; protect from frost; adjust watering by season.

Fertilizing

every 3–4 months during spring and summer

Use a bulb-specific fertilizer; fertilize only during active growth; avoid over-fertilization.

Propagation

Methods

Seed or bulb division; seeds take longer but are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Clean and scarify seeds if necessary.
  2. Sow in warm, well-draining medium.
  3. Keep moist.
  4. Divide bulbs when mature and dormant.

Best Time: Spring, when bulbs are actively growing.

Environment

Warm (20–25°C), bright indirect light, and moderate humidity for seeds; bulbs prefer full sun after planting.

Medium

Well-draining mix of sand, perlite, and a small amount of compost.

Hormone

Not typically required for seeds; bulb division does not need hormone.

Timeline

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

Tools Needed

Sharp knife, small pots, well-draining medium, watering can.

Quick Tips

Scarify seeds for better germination; plant bulbs with the neck above soil level; keep seedlings warm and moist.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut foliage back at the base; avoid cutting into the bulb itself.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged foliage as needed to maintain appearance.

Tools

Sharp, clean scissors or pruners.

Checklist

Remove dead foliage; clean tools; avoid cutting bulb.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, just before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Use a pot only slightly larger than the bulb’s current container.

Method

Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; trim any damaged roots; plant in fresh, well-draining mix with the bulb neck above soil level.

Suggestions

Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 3–4 years; prefers slightly root-bound conditions.

Checklist

Use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure bulb is not buried too deep; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at root zone; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until soil is moist but not saturated; ensure excess water drains away; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the root ball, avoiding wetting the foliage.
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 sand, perlite, or coarse grit to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf burn in excessive heat; stunted growth or rot in cold, damp conditions.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may suffer root rot in cold, waterlogged soil; foliage may yellow or die back.

Solution: Ensure excellent drainage; protect from frost with mulch or move to a sheltered location; reduce watering in cool periods.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch or wilt in extreme heat without adequate water; growth may slow.

Solution: Provide some afternoon shade in intense heat; water deeply but infrequently; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply monthly during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Pancratium maritimum may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's overall health and photosynthetic efficiency.

Wilting in Pancratium maritimum can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Pancratium maritimum may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation if left untreated.

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

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to Pancratium maritimum toxins, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. The bulbs, flowers, and seeds pose the greatest risk.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy tremors seizures difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access the plant. Seek veterinary care without delay if poisoning is suspected.
Dogs
Toxic

In dogs, Pancratium maritimum ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and potential neurological complications due to its toxic alkaloid content. The bulbs, flowers, and seeds are the most dangerous parts.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy loss of appetite tremors seizures
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. Contact a veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Toxic

Pancratium maritimum contains toxic alkaloids that can cause significant physiological distress upon ingestion. The plant's bulbs, flowers, and seeds are particularly hazardous, leading to gastrointestinal and neurological effects.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain diarrhea dizziness tremors difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
bulbs flowers seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children and avoid ingestion. Seek immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected.
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: Where does Pancratium maritimum grow naturally?

A: It is native to coastal sandy areas of the Mediterranean region.

Q: Is Pancratium maritimum toxic to pets?

A: Reliable information on toxicity to pets is not available.

Q: How often should Pancratium maritimum be watered?

A: It is drought-tolerant and requires infrequent watering, especially in sandy soils.

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