perennial

Milk and Wine Lily

The Story

Plant Bio

Crinum scabrum is a bulbous perennial known for its strap-like, arching foliage and tall flower stalks bearing large, fragrant white flowers with a trumpet shape, typically blooming in summer.

This species is distinguished by its robust growth habit and its ability to produce prolific flowering clusters, making it a striking addition to tropical and subtropical gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds tropical elegance with large, fragrant flowers and lush foliage, ideal for shaded garden borders.

Provides ground cover in shady spots, helping suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Tropical Africa

Toxicity

All parts are poisonous if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a well-draining, moist soil with organic matter.
Plant bulbs 4-6 inches deep in spring after the last frost.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Place in partial shade to protect from harsh afternoon sun.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season.
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Ensure good drainage to prevent bulb rot and provide partial shade for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently during growing season 🌱
Apply fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
Do not expose to full, harsh sunlight in hot climates
Refrain from disturbing bulbs during dormancy

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Plant
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tropical border with lush foliageFragrant flower accent in shady gardens

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Caladiums Begonias Coleus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Milk and Wine Lily questions

What zones can Milk and Wine Lily grow in?

Milk and Wine Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Milk and Wine Lily deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Milk and Wine Lily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Milk and Wine Lily bloom?

Milk and Wine Lily typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Milk and Wine Lily need full sun?

Milk and Wine Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Milk and Wine Lily drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Milk and Wine Lily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.