Scilla peruviana 'White Moon' is a striking white-flowered form of the Portuguese Squill, producing substantial heads packed with 20 to 100 crisp white, star-shaped flowers. The blooms open progressively from tightly clustered buds, creating an impressive late-spring display above broad, lance-shaped green foliage.

Flowering during May and June and reaching approximately 25cm tall, 'White Moon' is an unusual bulb for sunny borders, gravel gardens and containers. Its bright white flowers provide a beautiful contrast against the substantial green leaves and work particularly well alongside blue, purple and richly coloured spring plants.

• Botanical name: Scilla peruviana 'White Moon'
• Alternative botanical name: Oncostema peruviana 'White Moon'
• Common name: Portuguese Squill
• Plant type: Bulbous perennial
• Flower colour: White
• Flowers per head: Approximately 20-100
• Flowering time: May-June
• Height: Approximately 25cm
• Spread: Approximately 20-30cm
• Foliage: Broad lance-shaped leaves, up to around 30cm long
• Position: Full sun or light partial shade
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Ideal for: Borders, gravel gardens, rock gardens and containers

About Scilla peruviana 'White Moon'

Scilla peruviana is quite different from the smaller woodland squills commonly grown in British gardens. It develops a substantial rosette of broad foliage from which emerges a stout flower stem carrying a dense, rounded to conical head of numerous individual flowers.

'White Moon' replaces the familiar blue colouring of the species with elegant white blooms. Each flower opens into a neat six-pointed star, and the sheer number of flowers packed into each head creates an impressive display despite the plant's relatively compact height.

Flowering in May and June

The main display appears during May and June. Buds develop tightly together before gradually opening into numerous white stars, meaning the flower head changes appearance as it matures.

This later flowering period makes 'White Moon' useful for extending the spring bulb season after many crocuses, narcissi and early tulips have finished.

Where to Plant Scilla 'White Moon'

Choose a sunny, sheltered position with good drainage. Light partial shade is also suitable, although plenty of light generally encourages stronger flowering.

It works particularly well towards the front of a sunny border, in gravel gardens and amongst low-growing perennials. Its bold foliage and substantial flower heads also make it an attractive specimen for containers.

How to Plant Scilla peruviana Bulbs

Plant the bulbs in autumn in fertile, freely draining soil. Position them approximately 10-15cm deep with the growing point facing upwards and allow around 20-30cm between plants.

On heavy soils, incorporate horticultural grit before planting to improve drainage. Once established, bulbs are generally best left undisturbed so that they can mature and gradually form stronger clumps.

Height and Spread

Scilla peruviana 'White Moon' reaches approximately 25cm tall when flowering and develops a spread of around 20-30cm. The broad leaves can extend farther than the compact flower stems suggest, so allow sufficient room around each bulb.

Growing in Containers

'White Moon' is well suited to growing in pots. Choose a reasonably deep container with excellent drainage and use a fertile, free-draining compost. One mature bulb can make an attractive specimen, while several bulbs in a larger pot create an even stronger display.

Container growing is also useful where garden soil is heavy or prone to becoming waterlogged.

After Flowering

Once flowering has finished, leave the foliage in place until it naturally yellows and dies back. The leaves continue feeding the bulb and help build reserves for the following year's display.

Avoid excessive watering once the plant enters dormancy, particularly where drainage is less than ideal.

Why Grow Scilla peruviana 'White Moon'?

• Large heads containing numerous white star-shaped flowers
• Unusual white form of Portuguese Squill
• Flowers during May and June
• Compact flowering height of around 25cm
• Substantial architectural foliage
• Spread of approximately 20-30cm
• Excellent for sunny borders
• Ideal for gravel gardens and containers
• Provides interest towards the end of the spring bulb season

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Scilla peruviana 'White Moon' flower?
It normally flowers during May and June.

How tall does 'White Moon' grow?
The flowering stems reach approximately 25cm tall.

What is the spread of Scilla 'White Moon'?
Allow approximately 20-30cm for a mature plant, including its broad foliage.

How many flowers does each head produce?
A flower head may contain anywhere from around 20 to 100 individual star-shaped blooms.

Does Scilla peruviana prefer sun or shade?
A warm position in full sun is ideal, although light partial shade is also suitable.

Can 'White Moon' be grown in pots?
Yes. It makes an excellent container specimen provided the compost drains freely.

Should the leaves be cut back after flowering?
No. Allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally so that it can replenish the bulb for the following season.

With its large heads of brilliant white star-shaped flowers and bold spring foliage, Scilla peruviana 'White Moon' is an unusual and eye-catching bulb for sunny borders, gravel gardens and containers.