Like other members of the amaryllis family, these huge leafy plants emerge from gigantic pest-resistant bulbs rarely bothered by deer and rodents. Though these tropical bulbs can be planted year-round, spring is the best planting time. Avoid fall and winter to prevent cold damage. Make sure the largest part of the bulb is underground with the thin neck, or growing point, just above the soil surface. For containers, choose one 2 inches larger in diameter than the bulb. (They like to be pot-bound.) During growing season, keep the soil moist and fertilize regularly. This plant is sometimes hard to find in local nurseries, so check online sources and perennial providers for varieties in a host of colors.
More Varieties for Crinum Lily
Crinum asiaticum
Crinum asiaticum bears clusters of spidery white flowers top a large central stem. The large, dark green leaves may reach 3 feet long on a plant that grows 5 feet tall or more. Zones 8-11
Southern swamp lily
Crinum americanum offers white spider-like petals that droop from a central stem. This Southeastern native does best in moist or west soil and blooms in late summer. The plant grows 2 feet tall. Zones 9-11
