Grand Crinum Lily

Grand Crinum Lily, Crinum asiaticum, is one of the largest crinums, a bulb native to sandy seacoasts of tropical Asia. Strap-like green leaves about 3 feet long and 4 inches wide form a rosette up to 5 feet tall and 7 feet across, and thick stalks carry fragrant white flowers with maroon filaments. Gardeners grow it as a bold specimen or in mass plantings. Grow it in full sun to part shade in soil that stays moist but drains well; it adapts to sand, loam and clay and is moderately drought and salt tolerant, a good fit for coastal yards. It is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11. Flowering peaks in summer, and in frost-free areas flower heads appear nearly year-round, followed by round green seed pods. Every part is poisonous, hence the other name poison bulb, so site it away from children and pets.