Crinum Species, Giant Spider Lily, Queen Emma Lily
Crinum amabile
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae (am-uh-ril-id-AY-see-ee) (Info) |
| Genus: | Crinum (KRY-num) (Info) |
| Species: | amabile (a-MAH-bih-lee) (Info) |
| Synonym: | Crinum amabile var. augustum |
| Synonym: | Crinum augustum |
| Synonym: | Crinum superbum |
Category:
Bulbs
Perennials
Ponds and Aquatics
Water Requirements:
Very high moisture needs; suitable for bogs and water gardens
Sun Exposure:
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Foliage:
Textured
Foliage Color:
Blue-Green
Height:
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Where to Grow:
Danger:
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color:
Pink
Rose/Mauve
Medium Purple
Bloom Characteristics:
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
Seed Collecting:
Seed does not store well; sow as soon as possible
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Yuma, Arizona
Huntington Beach, California
Yorba Linda, California
Boynton Beach, Florida
Cape Coral, Florida(2 reports)
Gainesville, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida
North Miami Beach, Florida
Ocala, Florida
Orlando, Florida(2 reports)
Plant City, Florida
Port Charlotte, Florida(2 reports)
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Satellite Beach, Florida
Stuart, Florida
Sun City Center, Florida
Tampa, Florida
Valrico, Florida
West Palm Beach, Florida
Winter Haven, Florida
Brunswick, Georgia
Hilo, Hawaii
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honomu, Hawaii
KAILUA KONA, Hawaii
Kapaa, Hawaii
Wailua Homesteads, Hawaii
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cayce, South Carolina
Sumter, South Carolina
Bryan, Texas
College Station, Texas
Ennis, Texas
Galveston, Texas(2 reports)
Houston, Texas
New Caney, Texas
Rockport, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Spring, Texas
Christiansted, Virgin Islands
Cabin Creek, West Virginia
show allGardeners' Notes:
| Rating | Content |
|---|---|
| Positive | On Mar 21, 2021, rkaralius from Christiansted, VI wrote: The flowers have an amazing smell but drip very sticky sap which is very hard too remove. We will cut a flower stalk to about 12 to 16 inches of stem after the first set of flowers bloom, place in water wit paper under to catch any sap. They will open a fewevery day for a week or more. In the US Virgin Islands they can grow 5 to 6 foot tall and need little attention except trimming dead leaves, water in dry season and splitting up every 3 to 5 years. |
| Positive | On Feb 3, 2020, YLgardenman from Yorba Linda, CA wrote: I started with one small plant I bought online. I moved maybe a 2 years later and brought the plant with me planting it in a temporary space that tended to dry out some because I had to hand water it. It is full sun. There it developed about 8 baby plants. When my yard was ready to be landscaped about a year ago I moved the original and all 8 baby plants into new planters. They are still in full sun but also get more regular watering which I can tell it loves. It flowers off and on during the warmer months. The flowers only last several days to a week. The flowers look and smell great. In full sun the leaves are mostly purple but turn to green as they age. I have seen these in Hawaii with the base of the plant over 4 feet tall and leaves extending out 6 feet long and 8-12 inches wide. Amaz... read more |
| Positive | On Jul 12, 2017, Bonniesj from Chesterfield, VA wrote: I had this plant in my front yard in Florida. When we sold that house, I brought one of the plants back to Michigan. There it lived in my well lighted front foyer for five years. It did not bloom and its leaves lost their purple color. However it made a beautiful large, lush indoor plant. Now it is in my garden room at my new home in Virginia. It will be interesting to see if there is enough light to regain purple leaves again. Of course it could live on the sunny deck and probably be purple if I didn't mind if the bugs chewed on it!! I will bet no one has thought to use it as an indoor plant! Try it!! |
| Positive | On Jun 8, 2012, smurfwv from Cabin Creek, WV (Zone 6a) wrote: I wanted to clear up the heigth and with information, its incorrect. Queen emma can get over 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide, with flower spikes 6 feet tall. This plant should be spaced 4-6 feet apart. |
| Positive | On Aug 25, 2011, Code3 from Huntington Beach, CA wrote: Does very well in Southern California. I have mine planted in full sun in coastal area of Huntington Beach, CA. |
| Positive | On May 17, 2011, nefertiti58 from Yuma, AZ wrote: This plant has been in my family for 45 years or more, my Dad had the plants and most of us kids now have them too, We live in Arizona |
