Bulbs - Crinum Lily
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  (July) I have a question regarding a plant seen in predominately older landscapes. It looks similar to an amaryllis, with large leaves and flowers that grow from tall spikes. The flowers are pink and showy, with a cluster of 10 or more on each spike. We have moved the same plant from Mississippi to Missouri, to Texas, and now to Arkansas. Please identify for me.

  I would be surprised to see them surviving in Missouri, but it sounds to me like an old-fashioned southern plant called a crinum lily. They have moved up in their hardiness to a little further north than central Arkansas. They make fairly large mounds of strap-like foliage with central stalks of white, pink or red flowers.

  (August) I just got through reading an article in the August 2005 issue of Southern Living, about Crinum Lilies. I never knew the name of these plants, but I have seen them growing in Russellville. Do you by any chance know where I might be able to purchase some of these bulbs? I know that they are a really old plant in the South and that some of the older bulbs are huge! I would love to have some of them.

  Crinum lilies are an old-fashioned southern bulb. A few nurseries may carry the plants, but you will find them sold as a dry bulb at some locations in the spring. I would plant them in early spring, not now. Crinums are only considered hardy as far north as central Arkansas -- usually zone 7 or 8. If you can't find a source close to home they are sold via mail order companies. Plants Delight Nursery in North Carolina, Old House Garden Bulbs in Michigan, and others do carry them. The plants are a bit homely and can grow quite large, but the fragrant flowers make up for the foliage.

  Can you identify the flower in the enclosed picture? We think it is some type of lily. It blooms in late summer and has waxy leaves. I transplanted some of these large bulbs from southwest Arkansas to the hills of northwest Arkansas. They are very hardy and like sandy soils with good drainage.

  The plant in question is a crinum lily bulb. Crinum’s are old-fashioned southern plants. The foliage is not especially attractive, but the blooms are worth the foliage. The plant is in the amaryllis family and produces large, fragrant flowers that are white or pink in color. Normally, I would consider central Arkansas almost their northern range. Be sure to add extra protection from cold, winter weather since you have them in the northern part of the state. Give them plenty of moisture during their growing season, and full sun.

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