Crinums are large bulbous plants native to South Africa, tropical Asia and Australia. They are valued for their large trumpet-shaped flowers, usually white or pink, which recall amaryllis and lily flowers. They also bear lush foliage made up of long, dark green, strap-like leaves. Impressive, Crinums can reach 80 cm to 1.50 m in height when in flower. They easily bring an exotic touch to a garden or a terrace! Discover in this tutorial how to successfully plant them in pots or in open ground.
Where to plant Crinums?
Crinums are relatively frost-tender plants, so cultivation in open ground should be reserved for areas spared from frost, such as the Mediterranean basin or the Atlantic coast. However, some species are fairly cold-resistant, such as Crinum powellii, which is hardy to about -10 °C.
Crinums prefer full sun, but will also tolerate partial shade. They like rich, deep soils. Soil must be well drained, because if moisture stagnates the Crinum bulbs risk rotting. If grown in pots, they can be placed on a balcony, a terrace or in a garden, provided they receive enough light. They will need to be brought under cover for winter.
When to plant Crinums?
Planting Crinums is best done in spring, in April–May, after the last frosts, when soil starts to warm up. However, in mild-climate regions it is also possible to plant them in autumn.
How to plant Crinums in pots?
Required equipment
- A large pot with drainage holes
- A rich, well-draining compost mix, ideally a blend of potting compost, coarse sand and well-rotted compost
- Gravel or clay balls
- A small trowel or transplanting spade
- A watering can
How to proceed?
- Choose a pot large and deep enough to accommodate the bulb (at least 30 cm in diameter). It must have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and bulb rot.
- Place a layer of gravel or clay balls at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage.
- Fill the pot two-thirds full with well-draining compost.
- Place the Crinum bulb on the compost, pointing upwards. Cover until the top of the bulb is level with the compost surface, then press lightly around it.
- Water thoroughly after planting, then keep soil slightly moist until first shoots appear.
How to plant Crinums in open ground?
Required equipment
- A spade or fork to loosen soil
- Well-rotted compost
- Gravel or coarse sand (for drainage)
- A small trowel or transplanting spade
- A watering can
How to proceed?
- Choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot, and prepare soil by removing weeds and working it with a spade.
- Enrich soil with compost, and add some coarse sand if needed to improve drainage.
- Dig a planting hole about twice the height and twice the width of the bulb.
- Place the bulb in the hole, pointing upwards, and cover until the collar is just level with soil.
- If planting several Crinums, space bulbs approximately 30 to 50 cm apart to give them room to develop.
- Backfill with the excavated soil and press lightly to remove air pockets.
- Water thoroughly after planting, then keep soil slightly moist until first shoots appear.
- Optionally apply a layer of mulch around plants to conserve moisture and reduce weed growth.
How to care for them?
Crinums are easy-to-care-for plants. Here are some tips:
- Water regularly during growth, but allow soil to dry out between waterings. In pots, water when compost dries at the surface, about every 2–3 days in summer. In open ground, water once a week during dry periods.
- In open ground, you can add some well-rotted compost each year at the base of your Crinums to enrich soil. In pots, apply a liquid feed monthly during growth.
- Remove yellow or dead leaves when seen. Also deadhead spent flowers to encourage the bulb to flower again.
- If grown in pots, bring them under cover in autumn, before first frosts. If in open ground, protect with a thick mulch. As the plant is in dormancy, stop watering in winter to avoid bulb rot.
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