Whats A Crinum Lily?
(Photo caption: This impressive group of Crinum Lilies on Houston Road is one of the prettiest clumps in all of Polk County.) Have you ever grown any Crinum Lilies? Crinums are one the South’s most common old garden and cemetery plants. Unlike many perennials, this one really likes the heat. Crinums are easy to grow and require very little care. They have green strap-like leaves that are often 3 to 4 feet in height. The flowers are both showy and fragrant. Many gardeners would say the plants resemble Amarylis and for good reason. They are in the Amarylis family. The flowers can come in a range of colors from white to pink to rosey pink. The most common Crinum is one with white petals and faint red stripes. This one is often referred to as the “Milk and Wine Lily.” Grow Crinum Lilies in full sun or light shade. Those plants that receive more sunlight will produce more flowers. Here in Polk County, NC, they begin blooming in late June and continue through July. Most garden literature ind
