PlantFiles: Red-leaf Giant Crinum, Poison Bulb, Giant Crinum Lily, Grand Crinum Lily, Spider Lily
Crinum asiaticum var. procerum

An interesting note...I purchased a very young one of these crinums last year. I planted it in the ground where it has done pretty well, but the true test was hurricane Ike. The poor little crinum was totally inundated in 7 feet of SALT WATER and I have to say, it looks better today than it did before the storm. Did not even lose one leaf!

I have several of the giant bulbs growing, mostly in container culture so I can protect them from frost. Though, I'm experimenting with one of them planted directly into the garden. Will create some type of tent and leave them outdoor to see if it will withstand our winter. I'll add my zipcode should I have success.

I admired this plant in local parks and older neighborhoods for years, but couldn't find anyone selling them. I finally noticed in the Central Florida area, they actually drop "seeds" approximately late November to December. When you look at the plant you'll notice a "bulb" remains after the flower has dropped. As the spent flower dries, so does the bulb and eventually falls off. If left on the ground, a new plant will grow from it. So if you want your own, pick up the seeds/bulbs and gently push into ground by hand (assuming we're talking about Florida's sandy soil) and just leave them (normally I leave the top of it uncovered as that is how they self seed) . Within a month you will notice growth. It is somewhat cold sensitive, but worth the effort!

Grows in sandy, well drained soil. Requires regular watering. Grasshoppers eat the leaves to nubbins. Have found sprinkling with Seven dust prevents this.

While vacationing last August at Disney World in Orlando (the Beach Club) I noticed large numbers of these at every stage of growth. Some were almost 5 1/2' tall.
I asked one of the gardeners if I could try to take a cutting.
Surprisingly he offered to dig some of the smallest ones up for me. I wraped three of them in wet paper towels and placed them in a plastic bag. I transplanted them into potts 2 days later when I got home to Baton Rouge. I lost 2 of them but one survived. I have since moved it to a perminate spot in my landscape where it is starting to thrive 10 months after having brought it home. And is putting off new sprouts around the base. No blooms yet, but hoping for some soon.

My crinum is several years old, and is planted near the house, on the west side. It blooms off and on, spring to fall. Freezing temperatures will damage the exposed leaves, which will need to be cut off when danger of frost is past. As large as this plant is, it is hardly noticed. Makes a great architectural plant.

This plant can be striking, but if it doesn't receive proper care, it can also look miserable. Other than temperature, the main consideration is that it must be protected from wind. Too much wind can break off all the leaves, giving an awful-looking stub of a plant while it grows new ones. A lesser wind can "bend" a leaf downward towards its tip, without actually severing it; still, the leaf may eventually have to be cut off at the bend.
Leaves emerge reddish-purple and turn green as they age.
I've uploaded a photo of this plant, set out in the open while having its picture taken, but afterward returned to its place against the house.