Is this a Sansevieria?

by Anne
(London)

The person I bought is from said it is a member of the Lily family, but I took pictures of it to Kew Gardens and they suggested it could be a Sansevieria. Is it, and how do I care for it?


Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Anne - this indeed appears to be a member of the Lily family, but it's not a Sanseveria.

When I first saw it I thought it might Ledebouria socialis, or Scilla violacea, also known as Leopard Squill.

Looking closer, I don't believe it is, based on the way the leaves are attached to the stem. That bloom is quite distinctive, so it may be the identifying factor if you can locate pictures of that. Love the stripey leaves - even if you never find out the name, I hope it does well for you.


Look on this page for a picture showing a fabulous combination planter with some of the Ledebouria in it: What's in this gorgeous succulent planter - I want one!.

Happy Drought Tolerant Gardening!
Jacki