Also known as Crinum Lily · 247 saves
Crinum
Crinum, the genus most gardeners know as crinum lily. We track 35 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Crinum varieties
See all 35 Crinum varieties →Search this genus →
3 species of Crinum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Crinum in Sow
Save the Crinum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Crinum
Whats common across all Crinum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 35 most-grown of them.
The Crinum year
- PlantMarch and April97% of varieties
Plant bulbs in spring, ensuring the neck is slightly above soil level
- FertilizeApril and June89% of varieties
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer
- Winter PrepOctober and November69% of varieties
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the bulb neck for winter protection
- DivideAugust and September66% of varieties
Divide only when clumps become overcrowded (every 5-10 years)
- DeadheadJune–August54% of varieties
Remove spent flower stalks down to the base to tidy the plant
- Spring CleanupFebruary40% of varieties
Remove any old or damaged foliage from the previous season
Do
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Water consistently during growing season 🌱
- Water regularly during the growing season 🌱
- Water consistently during growing season 💧
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
- Refrain from disturbing bulbs during dormancy
- Overwater to prevent bulb rot ❌
What goes wrong with Crinum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Bulb rot | Soft, decayed bulbs with foul smell | Improve drainage and remove affected bulbs. |
| Spider mites | Webbing and stippling on leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Grasshoppers | Ragged chewed notches along the leaf edges in summer | Hand-pick where numbers are low; damage is cosmetic and the clump recovers |
| Bulb rot | Soft, decayed bulbs | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
| Fungal leaf spot | Dark spots on leaves | Apply fungicide and remove affected foliage. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Crinum
Division
- Dig up mature bulbs in early spring.
- Separate offsets carefully with a sharp knife.
- Plant divisions 4 inches deep in prepared soil.
- Water thoroughly and keep moist for 6 weeks.
Bulb planting
- Tuck bulbs into soil 4 inches deep in spring.
- Water regularly to promote rooting.
- Place in a sunny location.
- Wait 8-12 weeks for sprouting.
Crinum questions
How many types of Crinum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 35 distinct Crinum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 247 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Crinum grow in?
Across its varieties, Crinum covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Crinum bloom?
Most Crinum varieties bloom in late summer, mid-summer, late spring to summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Crinum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.