Crinum americanum (Swamp Lily)

Crinum americanum (Swamp Lily) is a bulbous perennial boasting sweetly fragrant umbels of 2-6 starbursts of white petals, although they may take on a pink blush, 4 in. long (10 cm), adorned with remarkably long purple stamens. Blooming in succession from early summer to early fall, the blossoms rise atop leafless scapes, well above the foliage clump of narrow, evergreen, strap-shaped leaves, 2-4 ft. long (60-120 cm). This Swamp lily does best in very wet soil or slightly under water. Perfect for water gardens, ponds, and streams, Crinum americanum will stand out against the swampy margins of freshwater ponds like a star in the night.

• Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in moist to wet, organically rich soil. Best growth occurs in full sun, but some light shade is appreciated during the heat of the day in hot summer areas. This plant will also grow 6 in. deep (15 cm) in standing water.
• Excellent choice for moist to wet garden areas, water gardens, near ponds and streams.
• Reliable, easy to grow, generally disease and pest-free. However, watch out for slugs and snails or leaf scorch.
• Native to the southern United States.
• Ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.