Overview
Pancratium maritimum is a bulbous perennial in the genus Pancratium, part of the Amaryllidaceae family. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Pancratium maritimum grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is native to Mediterranean region and Black Sea coasts.
About
Pancratium maritimum is a bulbous perennial that bears fragrant white flowers in summer. It grows to about 0.5 m and favours sandy, well-drained soil in full sun. Leaves are glaucous, blue-green and often lie close to the sand where it naturally occurs. Flowers appear from July to September and are notably scented on still nights.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pancratium maritimum
In the garden
Pancratium maritimum is a bulbous perennial in the Amaryllidaceae native to the Mediterranean region and the Black Sea coasts. It forms a compact clump to roughly 0.5 m and produces umbels of white, fragrant flowers in mid to late summer, flowering from July to September. Give it a sunny aspect on sandy, free-draining soil; it tolerates moist but well-drained conditions provided water does not sit around the bulb. Classified H5 (hardy) in the UK, it will survive in typical UK gardens where soil drainage is good and the planting site receives full sun. Use sea daffodil where conditions mimic its natural dune habitat: sandy gravel beds, coastal borders and sunny, lean gravel gardens. The combination of white summer blooms and a night-time fragrance makes it particularly effective planted where you can reach it in the evening to appreciate the scent from July to September.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pancratium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Pancratium maritimum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbous perennial
- Height
- 0.5 m
- Native to
- Mediterranean region, Black Sea coasts
- Fragrance
- Fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pancratium maritimum
- Propagation
- By seed, division of bulbs
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pancratium maritimum?
Pancratium maritimum prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Pancratium maritimum need?
Pancratium maritimum grows best in sandy soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Pancratium maritimum grow?
Pancratium maritimum reaches a height of 0.5 m.
Is Pancratium maritimum hardy in the UK?
Pancratium maritimum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Pancratium maritimum?
By seed, division of bulbs.