Plant them, then forget them ... they are crinums.
Spectacular but easy to grow, the lily-like flowers shown here are crinums. Plant them, then forget them: that's about all you need to know about these bulbs, native to South Africa.In spring and summer, 4- to 6-inch-long blooms resembling amaryllis appear above long, strap-shaped leaves on stems 1-1/2 to 2 feet long.
In mild-winter climates, crinums thrive in the ground in full sun or partial shade. Where winters are cold, either mulch beds heavily in winter or plant bulbs in containers and move them indoors when it freezes.
These big bulbs (6 to 8 inches in diameter with 12-inch necks) are still available in November at some nurseries that have a wide selection of bulbs. Certain nurseries also may offer them in gallon and 5-gallon cans. Or mail-order from bulb specialists, such as Louisiana Nursery, Route 7, Box 43, Opelousas, la. 70570 (catalog $2), or sunsweet Fruit and Bulb Nursery, Box Z, Sumner, Ga. 31789 (catalog free).
Plant right away (or next spring) in rich soil well amended with compost, fir bark, or other organic material. Place the bulbs about 2 feet apart, with the neck exposed. Water freely during the growing season. Bait for snails. Fertilize in spring and again in summer.
Crinum moorei and C. powellii are the two species commonly available in nurseries and from specialists. C. moorei has pink flowers and leaves with wavy edges. It is a parent of C. powellii, whose blossoms are dark rose. 'Alba', a variety of C. powellii, has pure white flowers.
After a few years, when flowers become crowded, you can propagate crinums in early spring by digging up a clump and prying off the young bulblets (offsets). Replant the bulb in enriched soil and use the bulblets to extend the planting.
After crinums are moved, it may take a year or two for flowering to star again.
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| Publication: | Sunset |
|---|---|
| Date: | Nov 1, 1985 |
| Words: | 310 |
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