Southern Swamp Lily Crinum americanum Play pronunciation

Southern swamp lily is a herbaceous perennial bulb in the onion family (Amaryllidaceae), found in wetlands, swamps, marshes, and stream banks from South Carolina to Florida and west to the Gulf coast of Texas. It is an erect plant, growing up to 2 to 3 feet tall, and forms small clumps. Its leaves grow directly from the bulb and are narrow, green, strap-like. The flowers bloom from June to September, and are delicate, fragrant, white, and lily-like with a blush of pink. Two to six trumpet-shaped flowers form into a showy umbel at the top of the distinctively reddish stem. The genus name, Crinum, originates from the Greek word krinon, meaning lily. The specific epithet, americanum, refers to its native habitat. 

Prefers full sun to partial shade and rich, wet, slightly acidic soils of sand, loam, or clay. Although it is native to wet sites, it will grow in moist garden environments or in containers kept moist to wet. Only use a pot 2 inches larger than the bulb. If growing in the garden, mulch heavily in the winter. Otherwise, it can be grown in water gardens or along streams, ponds, or bogs. Do not disturb the bulbs once planted, or it may take up to 2 to 3 years before it blooms again. Propagated by division or seeds. Divided plants will bloom more quickly than offshoot bulbs. 

Each bulb is thick and fleshy, measuring 3 to 4 inches in diameter, and has a tapered neck. The flowers have sepals, measuring 3 to 4 inches long, joined at the base to form a long tube. The sepals curve backward to form a somewhat ball-like form. The purple stamens and anthers extend outward from the blossom. The blooms attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and moths.

Consider for use as a border, foundation planting in moist to wet areas of your landscape. They may also be grown in containers for the patio. Ideal for water gardens or bogs. Provides a good cutting flower for floral arrangements.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for mealybugs, spider mites, nematodes, slugs, and snails. Grasshoppers are known to chew on the plant's leaves. Potential diseases include red blotch fungus and crinum mosaic potyvirus. Leaf scorch may occur. 

More information on Crinum.