Sea daffodil (Pancratium maritimum)

Also known as: Sea Daffodil, Sand Lily

The sea daffodil (Pancratium maritimum) is a bulbous perennial that naturally inhabits coastal regions, such as the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, and areas near the Black Sea. It typically grows in sandy soils and dunes along beaches. For optimal growth, it needs:

1. **Abundant Sunlight:** Essential for healthy development.
2. **Sandy, Well-Drained Soil:** Crucial for preventing waterlogging.
3. **Mild Climate:** Prefers mild winters with minimal frost.
4. **Dry Periods:** Requires dry conditions during dormancy.
5. **Salt Tolerance:** Adapted to saline environments common in coastal areas.

This plant is often utilized in ornamental gardening due to its striking appearance.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Sea daffodil

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

46 cm to 61 cm

Spread

60 cm

Leaf Color

Green Blue

Flower Size

13 cm to 15 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of Sea daffodil

Quickly Identify Sea daffodil

Spiderlily-like white flowers in umbels of 3 to 15 atop 16-inch scapes.

Fragrant flowers with elongated white petals in star-like arrangement, 3 to 4 inches long.

Linear, strap-like leaves in rosette form, 12 to 18 inches long and 1 to 1.5 inches wide.

Smooth, dark green leaves with shiny, waxy texture and parallel veins for robust structure.

Blooms from late summer to early fall with intense, pleasant aroma distinguishing by scent.

Scientific Classification of Sea daffodil

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Asparagales

Family

Amaryllis

Genus

Pancratium

Species

Sea daffodil

Planting and Growing of Sea daffodil

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Sea daffodil?

Pancratium maritimum, commonly known as the sea daffodil, thrives in sandy, well-drained soils. It's essential that the water thoroughly moistens the root zone, but does not lead to waterlogging. Aim for about 300 ml each time you water, just ensuring that the soil feels damp to the touch, but not soggy.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Sea daffodil? ›

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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Sea daffodil? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Sea daffodil?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours daily

Pancratium maritimum ideally benefits from full sun to partial sun conditions, absorbing 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. This exposure ensures strong growth, vibrant flowering, and enhanced environmental stress resistance due to optimum energy production from photosynthesis.

How much sun does Pancratium maritimum need daily? ›

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More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Sea daffodil?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for growing Pancratium maritimum is between 60°F to 75°F. This temperature range allows the plant to thrive and maintain its growth rate without experiencing stress. It is important to keep the temperature consistent within this range to ensure optimal health of the plant.

What Soil is Best for Sea daffodil?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Pancratium maritimum thrives best in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot. Adequate drainage benefits the plant by ensuring the roots get enough oxygen. This plant is adapted to nutrient-poor sandy soils, which mimic its natural coastal habitat. It excels in low-fertility conditions, reducing the need for fertilizers. Pancratium maritimum prefers soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, around 6.5 to 7.5. This pH range optimizes nutrient uptake and plant health.

How to Fertilize Sea daffodil?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Pancratium maritimum, use a balanced fertilizer at half the recommended strength. Over-fertilization can harm this plant, so it's crucial to stick to moderate amounts. When using liquid fertilizers, dilute to a quarter of the standard rate to prevent any adverse effects.

How to Prune Sea daffodil?

Pruning Time: Spring, Autumn

Begin by examining the plant for dead or damaged leaves, which should be removed carefully with sterilized scissors or pruning shears. Trim these leaves at the base where they meet the stem, taking care not to damage healthy growth. Next, focus on shaping the plant by removing any unusual or excessive leaf growth, ensuring a balanced and aesthetically pleasing form. This practice will allow adequate air circulation, minimizing the risks of fungal diseases. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Sea daffodil plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Begin by soaking seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat and promote quicker germination. After soaking, ensure your seed tray is filled with a well-draining potting mix.

Carefully dig around the base of the plant to extract the bulb cluster. Using a clean, sharp knife, divide the bulbs ensuring each section has roots attached, then plant each division in its own pot.

After sowing seeds or planting divisions, water deeply to settle the soil around the plants. Place the tray or pots in a warm, sunny location and maintain moisture but avoid waterlogging.

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How to Repot Sea daffodil plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Signs that Pancratium maritimum needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes or the plant becoming top-heavy. It's best to repot in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing, ensuring it adjusts well to its new environment.

Select a pot that's about 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one, with adequate drainage holes. A slightly larger pot prevents waterlogging, ensuring the roots don’t rot, while accommodating the plant's growth.

Opt for a well-draining sandy soil mix to replicate its natural beach habitat. This helps prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and provides the right aeration for healthy root development.

Toxicity of Sea daffodil

Is Sea daffodil toxic to humans?

The sea daffodil presents a considerable hazard of extreme toxicity to humans if consumed. The bulb of the sea daffodil is the toxic component responsible for poisonings. Upon ingestion, affected individuals may suffer from a variety of severe symptoms, which can involve intense gastrointestinal disturbances, such as severe vomiting and diarrhea, which may ultimately result in dehydration. Neurological effects could also appear, such as tremors, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures. Given its high level of toxicity, it is crucial to prevent accidental ingestion of the bulb, as it can lead to serious health consequences. It is essential for the public to recognize the dangers associated with sea daffodil and to take precautions to avoid unintentional poisoning.

Is Sea daffodil toxic to cat?

The sea daffodil poses a significant toxicity threat to cats, particularly due to its bulb, which is the hazardous portion that can induce poisoning if ingested inadvertently. Should a cat ingest any part of the sea daffodil, it may suffer from severe physical pain and illness, signaling a critical health concern that demands immediate intervention. These symptoms can be life-threatening, often requiring swift veterinary assistance. If your cat shows any signs of distress or behavioral changes after exposure to the plant, it is essential to seek prompt treatment at a veterinary facility to avoid further complications.

Is Sea daffodil toxic to dog?

The sea daffodil plant species presents a significant toxicity hazard for dogs. These canines may inadvertently consume various parts of this plant, especially the bulb, which is recognized for its harmful effects. When a dog ingests any portion of the bulb, it can result in serious health issues. Poisoning symptoms from the sea daffodil can occur in multiple forms, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distress, lethargy, and more severe reactions like tremors or seizures. It is essential for dog owners to remain watchful and keep their pets away from areas where sea daffodil is present. Should a dog ingest this plant, it is vital to seek immediate veterinary assistance to effectively address the poisoning.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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