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Crinum

This genus of beautiful large bulbous plants allied to Amaryllis consists of around 130 species, occurring wild in most warmer regions of the world. The bulbs are often quite large and may be deeply buried or sit virtually on the soil surface; in many species the bulb is elongated with a 'neck' of varying length on which the old dead leaf bases persist as papery sheaths. The lily-like flowers are borne in umbels at the apex of thick flowering stems and usually open progressively; usually white or pink, they have six broad petals, often upward-curving, and long stamen filament. Globular, thin-skinned fruits contain large fleshy seeds that have no dormancy and will begin to germinate dry. Only a few species and 2 or 3 hybrids are widely grown in gardens, but some enthusiasts have amassed larger collections. It can be very difficult to locate sources of supply for many of the species.

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Species vary in ease of cultivation, those from regions of highly seasonal rainfall being generally more difficult. Bulbs should be planted in rich, moist soil with the neck of the bulb above ground level. some species do best in full sun, others appreciate a light shade. Propagation is best form seed as dividing the plant is difficult. The flowers usually take a few seasons to develop with either method. Most species are tender to frost and susceptible to caterpillars, slugs and snails.

Crinum asiaticum
Asiatic Poison Lily, Poison Bulb

This tropical Asian species can be a dramatic plant for a frost-free garden. It likes damp soil, and can be placed at the margins of pond. Its long-necked bulbs on the surface and produce evergreen, fleshy, very broad leaves making a clump up to about 4 ft. high. The stout flowering stems can carry up to 50 sweetly scented white flowers with very narrow petals, opening through much of the year. There is a rare form with pale pink flowers, another with soft golden-yellow leaves, and one with its leaves boldly striped in green and cream. The poisonous bulbs were once used medicinally, as an emetic; they present little danger in garden.

Crinum moorei 'Cape Dawn"
Moore's crinum, Bush Lily

After Crinum bulbispermum this South African species is the next most cold hardy crinum and is popular inthat account as well as for the delicate beauty of its large white to pale pink flowers, resembling those of some liliums . The very broad, weak leaves are usually beginning to die back as the flowers open in late summer and early fall, finally leaving a clump of large, very long-necked bulbs protruding above the ground. Flowering stems are up to 3 ft. tall and are topped by umbels of 4-5 in wide nodding flowers of very graceful appearance. It is easily grown in light to quite deep shade, preferring a friable, well- drained soil, but is highly prone to damage form snails and slugs. 'Cape Dawn' is a delicate pink form. Zones 8-11