Photo of Crinum americanum flower by Almost Eden

Photo by Almost Eden

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Crinum americanum

Also Known As

  • American Crinum
  • Seven Sisters
  • Southern Swamp Lily
  • String Lily

Plant type

spring, perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 24"-30"

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

Crinum americanum plant details

Crinum americanum is a broadleaf deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial bulb / corm / tuber or spring with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer white flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture water. Does well in acidic and alkaline soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Crinum americanum

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber or spring
Plant family: amaryllidaceae
Foliage: deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 24 IN - 30 IN - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, cutting garden, fragrant, long-blooming, toxic, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Crinum americanum

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: deer, seaside / salt and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic and alkaline

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Clusters of fragrant, spidery, white, 5 petaled flowers sit atop sturdy stems that emerge from the arching strap-like foliage of this native Crinum lily in late spring and summer. Crinum americanum is native to marshes, swamps, lakes, and wet ditches. An excellent choice for wet areas and bog gardens. The strap-like foliage will often freeze back to the water line in winter but quickly returns in spring. This aquatic perennial will slowly spread by rhizomes under good conditions.Crinum americanum is not particularly specific as to light requirements and is known to flower well even in light shade.

Gardening facts about Crinum americanum plant

How to Grow Crinum americanum

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • alkaline
  • Special Situation

    • seaside / salt tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • fall
    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
    • deciduous
    • semi-evergreen

See other plant types of Crinum for your garden

aka Crinum 'Sangria', Sangria Lily

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 1'-4'

Width: 2'-4'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • regular
Photo of Crinum 'Sangria' flower by Brian's Botanicals
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aka Crinum procerum splendens

Plant Type

Spring, Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 3'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Crinum asiaticum var. procerum 'Splendens' flower by Quadell
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More Options

aka Crinum asiaticum variegata, Crinum asiaticum variegatum, Poison Bulb, Variegated Grand Crinum Lily

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

10a-11

Size

Height: 3'-5'

Width: 5'

  • bright shade
  • regular
Photo of Crinum asiaticum [variegated] foliage, form by SuperFantastic
View Plant

More Options

aka Crinum longifolium, Orange River Lily, South African River Lily

Plant Type

Spring, Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 3'

Width: 3'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • high - regular
  • dry when dormant
Photo of Crinum bulbispermum flower by Stan Shebs
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aka Pajama Lily

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Crinum kirkii flower by Stan Shebs
View Plant
+59 more Crinum
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