What's A Crinum Lily?
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Have you ever grown any Crinum Lilies? Crinums are one the South's most common old garden and cemetery plants. Unlike many perennials, this one really likes the heat.
Crinums are easy to grow and require very little care. They have green strap-like leaves that are often 3 to 4 feet in height. The flowers are both showy and fragrant. Many gardeners would say the plants resemble Amarylis and for good reason. They are in the Amarylis family.
The flowers can come in a range of colors from white to pink to rosey pink. The most common Crinum is one with white petals and faint red stripes. This one is often referred to as the "Milk and Wine Lily."
Grow Crinum lilies in full sun or light shade. Those plants that receive more sunlight will produce more flowers. Here in Polk County, NC, they begin blooming in late June and continue through July.
Most garden literature indicates that Crinums grow in warmer climates. Crinum Lilies are not supposed to grow here since we are a Zone 7 climatic zone. Fortunately plants do not read same books as gardeners. We know of several clumps in the area that are 30 to 40 years old (see photo).
Even though they are not common in the nursery trade, older landscapes throughout the South often have a clump or two. For this reason Crinums are a favorite "passalong" plant - neighbors sharing plants with friends.
Next time you'll see this garden flower, you'll know its name.