Cape lily

Family

Amaryllidaceae

Origin

Asia & Africa

Description

The Crinum Lily is a spectacularly huge lily. It grows rapidly to over 5' high with 5' long sword to strap shaped leaves. They re exotic, fragrant, and exciting bell shaped flowers, that come with a lovely scent and are related to the Amaryllis plant.

Crinum menehune has deep burgundy-red leaves which can reach 1-2" wide and 24" long, producing deep pinkish-red flowers on dark red stalks. Flowers will be produced from Spring to summer.

Crinum bulbs are much larger than bulbs of its relative the Amaryllis (amaryllidaceae). Roundish, with a long tapering necks, bulbs of a crinum can be 12-16 inches in length.

Generally, the leaves are thin and long with silky feel to them and some varieties having edges which are wavy.

The flowers are unique and beautiful, but even with the flowers the crinum is a handsome decorative plant which can get very large.

Crinum Menehune bulbs produce compact flowers during summer, well-suited for tropical and warm-climate gardens. They bloom from June to September in plains and July to October in hill regions. For best results, plant between February and April in plains or March to May in hills.

Environment

They perform best in full sun (but not burning sun, partial shade from the extreme heat of the sun) so give them all they can get, and a well-draining soil.

Landscape Use

They make wonderful specimens and very attractive pool plants for landscaping by a pool.