3 named cultivars

perennial

Crinum x powellii

The Story

Plant Bio

Crinum x powellii is a large bulbous perennial of garden origin, raised from a cross between two southern African species. Strap-shaped arching leaves make a clump two to three feet across, and stout stems carry heads of fragrant pink trumpets three to five feet high in August and September. The bulbs are very large and long-lived.

Once planted it resents being moved and may sulk for a season or two afterwards, so choose the position carefully and leave it alone. Plant with the neck of the bulb at or just above soil level; buried too deep it produces leaves year after year and no flowers, which is the usual reason a clump refuses to bloom.

Uses & Benefits:

Heads of large fragrant pink trumpets on tall stems in late summer, when borders are running out of flower.

A long-lived bulb that improves in place for decades and needs no annual lifting in mild gardens.

Scented late flowers draw bees and evening moths at the tail of the season.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Garden origin; parent species from southern Africa

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Planting

How to Grow

Plant bulbs in spring in a sheltered, sunny position.
Choose deep, rich soil that drains freely.
Set the bulb with its neck at or just above soil level.
Water well through the growing season.
Mulch the crown in autumn where winters are cold.
Leave the clump undisturbed once established.

Pro Tip

A clump making plenty of leaves and no flowers is nearly always planted too deep; lift and reset the neck at soil level.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant with the bulb neck at soil level 🌱
Give it a warm, sheltered position ☀️
Water well through the growing season 💧
Mulch the crown in cold winters 🍂

Don't

Bury the bulb deeply ❌
Move an established clump without good reason ❌
Leave it in cold, wet, badly drained ground ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Late-summer accent in a sunny borderFoundation planting against a warm wallLarge container specimen

Companion Plants

AgapanthusRussian Sage Japanese Anemone SedumOrnamental Grasses

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Crinum x powellii questions

What zones can Crinum x powellii grow in?

Crinum x powellii is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Crinum x powellii deer resistant?

Yes — Crinum x powellii is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Crinum x powellii bloom?

Crinum x powellii typically blooms in late summer to early fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Crinum x powellii need full sun?

Crinum x powellii does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.