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BulbsConservatory Greenhouse

Crinum asiaticum var. sinicum

St John's lily

A deciduous, tender, bulbous perennial, with broad, glossy, semi-erect leaves to 1m long. In summer it produces umbels of fragrant, spidery white flowers with slender petals

Synonyms
Crinum pedunculatum misapplied
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Crinum are bulbous perennials, sometimes evergreen, with umbels of showy, fragrant, funnel-shaped flowers held well above the strap-shaped leaves

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China, Taiwan

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant under glass in spring, with the neck of the bulb just below soil level. Use peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added sharp sand and well-rotted manure and position in full or bright filtered light. Water freely when in growth; keep moist after flowering. Pot on only when absolutely necessary, in early spring

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe, or remove offsets in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free but young growth may be susceptible to

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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