Ledebouria socialis

Common Names

Silver Squill, Wood Hyacinth, Leopard Lily, Bluebell, Violet Squill, South African Scilla, Leopard Plant

Summary

The plant known as Silver Squill is a small geophytic evergreen bulb native to the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, forming dense clusters of above-ground bulbs with a rosette of lance-shaped leaves that are silvery green with dark green spots and purple undersides. It reaches about 6–10 inches tall and bears tiny bell-shaped flowers on short stalks in spring to summer, reflecting its drought-tolerant habit and distinctive foliage.

Cultivation favors bright indirect light to some direct sun, well-drained soil, and infrequent watering; water moderately during active growth and allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings, with reduced watering during dormancy; outdoors in warm climates (zones 10a–11b) and indoors in frost-prone regions; propagate by bulb division or offsets; fertilize monthly during the growing season; suitable for containers or drought-tolerant ground cover; all parts are poisonous if ingested.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-10 inches

Spread

4-8 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-11

Sunlight Requirements

Partial Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, humus-rich loamy to sandy-loam soil; pH 6–8

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil, preferably sandy or cactus/succulent mix, or standard potting mix with added sand or perlite, and avoid heavy moisture-retentive soils.

Soil pH

6.0–8.0

Bloom Color

Green or pale lilac

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Silvery leaves with purple spots and purple undersides

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color; evergreen.

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Moderate to Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Bulblets (offsets)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators