How to plant urgineas maritima

Urgineas maritima or sea squills are dramatically distinctive late summer flowering bulbs commonly found in rocky, coastal areas of the Mediterranean regions. Not often found in the UK, these stunning beauties are a rare must-have that will thrive in warm, sunny, south-facing borders and coastal locations — the drier the better.

In the spring, their large 24/+ cm bulbs will produce clumps of fleshy rosettes of impressive green strap-like leaves; one day lush and tropical, these will fall flat on the ground in the space of an evening before gradually dying away. In late summer and early autumn, they will be replaced by maroon flower spikes formed of long stems, each adorned with an impressive flower head that will soon be covered in hundreds of starry flowers, opening in succession from the base. Starting straight, the flower heads will quickly start to twist and turn, providing your garden with additional interest.

Try mixing urgineas maritima with fritillaries, narcissi and tulips. They make fabulous cut flowers.

Plant almost on the surface with the top half exposed, around 30 to 40 cm apart in dry, well-drained soil — allowing for around 6 bulbs per square meter. Provide a small amount of water at the base to help them settle into their new home; there is no need to feed the bulbs as they should find enough nutrient from your soil. Urgineas maritima do not like cold, wet weather so provide protection and ensure that the soil remains dry during the winter months.

Always unpack on arrival and store in a cool place until ready to plant.Take care! Urgineas maritima can irritate the skin, wear gloves when handling them! They are toxic and should never be eaten. They can be harmful to cats and dogs.

Potential problems, pests and diseases:

Urgineas maritima do not usually suffer from any serious diseases or pest problems.