Cape Lily, Crinum Lily, Swamp Lily, Spider Lily
| When to Plant: | |
| Spring |
| Blooms: | |
| Summer to Fall |
| Light Requirements: | |
| Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Plant Height: | ||
| 24-48" | ||
| Hardiness Zones: | |
| Grow as Perennial in zones 7-10. Grow as Annual elsewhere. Find Your Zone |
| Planting Depth: | |
| 2-3" |
| Plant Spacing: | |
| 12-18" |
| Plant Type: | |
| Bulb |
Crinums produce lots of showy blooms in summer and love heat and moisture. Crinum are often found in old cemeteries, abandoned homesites and plantations in the South. They are said to have been used to adorn cemeteries of past centuries and often referred to as the cemetery plant.
Crinums are a member of the Amaryllis family with fragrant, trumpet shaped blooms and strappy leaves.
Plant Crinum in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Crinum performs well in full sun to partial shade but produces more blooms with more sun.
The ideal soil is rich and porous and drains well, yet still holds enough water for the roots. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or very sandy and does not hold water, add organic soil amendments like peat moss or ground bark. Spread a 3-4 inch layer of soil amendment if needed and incorporate into the soil to a depth of 10 inches. Plant bulbs 2-3" deep with the neck or top of the bulb emerging from the soil and 12-18" apart. Cover with soil. When planting a large number of Crinums in one bed, excavate the entire area to the recommended depth, work fertilizer into the bottom of the trench, set out bulbs and then cover all at once. Water thoroughly at planting. While actively growing, water frequently and thoroughly so that water will reach roots. Mulch to keep the soil cool and to prevent the soil from drying out.
Fertilize twice a year.
Do not cut foliage back until the leaves have yellowed and died. Lift and store over winter if planted in colder climates. Mulch in milder climates to protect from frost.
Crinum may be divided every 3-5 years in autumn. The bulbs are deep rooted so it is best to dig the entire clump and then remove the side bulbs.
In colder areas, Crinums may be grown in containers and moved indoor during winter months to prevent freezing.
