Sea Daffodil
Pancratium maritimum L.
Sea daffodil produces stunning fragrant white flowers with distinctive corona and protruding stamens, blooming on sandy Mediterranean shores. Native to coastal regions, these elegant blooms symbolize coastal beauty, strength, resilience, and the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean.
Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis family)
Late summer (July-September), flowers open at dusk
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: snowbrush ceanothuss and nerines also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Sea daffodil has deep roots in Mediterranean culture, appearing in ancient Aegean wall decorations dating to the 17th century BC. Frescoes in the Women's House at Akrotiri on Thera (Santorini) depict stylized sea daffodils up to 140 cm tall, associated with goddess veneration. The Hebrew name חבצלת החוף (khavatselet ha-Khof) is closely related to the "rose of Sharon" mentioned in the Song of Solomon, with some scholars suggesting the biblical passage may refer to this coastal flower. The genus name Pancratium comes from Greek "pancration" meaning "all strength," reflecting the plant's remarkable ability to thrive in harsh coastal environments.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; requires hot summers and very sunny position
Water
Low; drought-tolerant, adapted to dry Mediterranean summers
Soil
Sandy, Well-drained, Coastal sand, Salt-tolerant
Expert Growing Tips
Hardy to USDA zone 8 (tolerates to about -5°C/23°F)
Bulbs planted deep in sand (30-40 cm)
Requires hot, dry summers to induce flowering
Often shy bloomer in cooler climates
Leaves remain green through winter, may brown as flowers open
Flowers open at dusk and release captivating fragrance
Requires cross-pollination (not self-fertile)
Pollinated by night-flying hawk moths
Seedlings flower in 3rd or 4th year
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Coastal gardens and xeriscapes
- Mediterranean-style landscapes
- Sandy soil gardens
- Specimen bulb plantings
- Fragrance gardens
- Conservation plantings
Traditional Uses
- Not commonly used medicinally
- Strong root system stabilizes coastal dunes
- Important for coastal ecosystem conservation
- Prevents erosion and fosters habitat for other species
- Flowers attract night pollinators
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sea Daffodil
when do sea daffodils bloom
Sea daffodils bloom in late summer (July-September) in their Mediterranean habitat. The flowers open at dusk and release an intense, sweet fragrance.
are sea daffodils fragrant
Yes, sea daffodils are highly fragrant with a captivating sweet scent that intensifies in the evening to attract night-flying hawk moths for pollination.
where do sea daffodils grow naturally
Sea daffodils grow naturally on sandy beaches and coastal dunes throughout the Mediterranean basin, Black Sea coasts, and from the Canary Islands to Turkey.
are sea daffodils endangered
Sea daffodils are threatened in some regions, particularly on the Bulgarian and Turkish Black Sea coasts. Coastal development and habitat loss are major threats.
how deep do sea daffodil bulbs grow
Sea daffodil bulbs grow very deep in coastal sand, typically 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) deep, which helps protect them from harsh conditions and stabilizes dunes.
can you grow sea daffodils in pots
Sea daffodils can be grown in large containers with very well-draining sandy soil, but they require full sun, hot summers, and may be shy bloomers outside their native range.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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