Crinum bulbispermum (3 yr 2025)

Crinum bulbispermum is a widespread species of moist habitats in South Africa where it has a long history as a medicinal plant and where it is planted around houses to ward off evil. The large, subtropical-looking, green to blue green, strap-like leaves give rise to clusters of large, fragrant, white, funnel-shaped flowers with a deep pink stripe down the centre of each petal. It will bloom in summer and in hot climates can rebloom in fall. It is one of the parents of the popular garden hybrid C. x powellii. Orange River lily grows in seasonally moist areas of the summer rainfall region of the Eastern Cape. When in active growth in spring and summer it often grows in standing water but in winter the bulbs experience drought. Hardy outside with a winter mulch in coastal BC, it can also be grown in a pot that sits in a saucer of water or as a marginal plant in a pond. In winter, protect it in a frost free location and allow the soil to go completely dry. Easy!