Crinum × powellii

RHS Plant Profile
swamp lily

Other common names

Powell lily

Synonyms

Crinum × powellii 'Roseum'
Crinum × powellii pink

Bulbs Conservatory Greenhouse

A bulbous perennial forming a tuft of strap-shaped, bright green leaves, with umbels of fragrant, trumpet-shaped light pink flowers to 12cm in width, on stems to 1.5m, from late summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Amaryllidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, deep, humus-rich, fertile soil. Intolerant of waterlogging and may need some protection from frosts in colder areas. Keep neck of the bulb just proud of the soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers with bottom heat when ripe or by offsets in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Sub-tropical
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free but young growth may be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free