SCILLA MADEIRENSIS is a rare species of hyacinth that grows on the island of Madeira, off the coast of Portugal. Until recently, there were only two ways to see this wonderful plant in flower: search for it on the rocky cliffs of Madeira or catch it in bloom at one of the few botanical gardens that have it in their collection.
Now Scilla madeirensis bulbs are being commercially propagated, so for the first time ever, these bulbs are available to the public. This is good news for gardeners who are looking for an interesting new bulb to grow indoors during late fall and early winter.
Scilla madeirensis is exotic in every way -- starting with the bulbs, which are dark purple! They are similar in size and shape to an amaryllis bulb and are grown in much the same way. Like amaryllis, Scilla madeirensis is a tropical plant. In most parts of the country, it will need to be grown indoors or in a cool greenhouse.
