Merwilla plumbea Chapin form

Scilla natalensis is the most striking of the South African scillas. In foliage, it resembles a eucomis (pineapple lily) with very broad leaves, forming a 1' wide rosette. In mid-to-late summer, the clumps are topped with 3' tall spikes of honey-scented, blue-lavender flowers...simply stunning. In the wild, it is found in moist sites near streams and on rocky hillsides. It is reportedly toxic to deer, so perhaps a squill fence is in order. In South Africa, it is used to increase female and male fertility as well as to help cows breathe better. Due to its mammalian toxicity, do not try this at home.