Autumn Squill

(Prospero autumnale)

Autumn Squill (Prospero autumnale)

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Climate Requirements

Precipitation 20" - 40"
High Temp. 74°F - 88°F
Low Temp. 32°F - 42°F

Summary

Prospero autumnale, commonly known as Autumn Squill, is a deciduous perennial bulb that is native to a variety of habitats including rocky slopes, open woodlands, and grasslands in the Mediterranean Region. It is a small plant, typically growing to a height of 0.2-0.5 feet (0.06-0.15 meters) and spreading 0.2-0.3 feet (0.06-0.09 meters) wide. The Autumn Squill has a delicate appearance, with slender stems and narrow leaves. It produces small, bell-shaped purple flowers in late summer to fall, which are moderately showy and add a splash of color to the landscape.

Autumn Squill is valued for its ability to naturalize and provide late-season blooms. It is often used in rock gardens, borders, and as underplanting for larger shrubs or trees. This bulbous plant is relatively low maintenance and thrives in well-drained soils. It prefers full sun to part shade, which allows for greater flexibility in garden design. While generally disease-free, it can be susceptible to bulb rot if planted in overly wet conditions. Autumn Squill is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems, making it a reliable choice for many garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Bulb
  • Height: 0.2-0.5 feet
  • Width: 0.2-0.3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple, Pink
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Rocky slopes, open woodlands, and grasslands in the Mediterranean Region

Other Names

Common Names: Starry Hyacinth

Scientific Names: Prospero autumnale, Scilla autumnalis, Prospero pulchellum, Scilla pulchella, Scilla autumnalis var. autumnalis, Scilla holzmannia, Scilla racemosa, Ornithogalum autumnale, Scilla autumnalis subsp. latifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Prospero autumnale (L.) Speta