Crinum asiaticum

Crinum asiaticum, also known as Asian Crinum, Grand Crinum or Crinum lily, is the largest of its genus. It is a very beautiful perennial plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia that flowers all year round and retains its foliage in regions unaffected by frost. Its robust flower stalks bear up to 40 delicately scented white lily flowers. While its silhouette somewhat resembles that of a yucca, it does not seem stiff like the yucca and prefers the mildness and humidity of oceanic climates or water edges to dry summers. It is easy to cultivate in a large pot, which will add another dimension to the terrace or balcony throughout the summer.

Crinum asiaticum is a bulbous plant related to Amaryllis and it belongs to the same family, Amaryllidaceae. Its range is vast, from China to Australia, where it has naturalised. This plant develops from a very large bulb weighing 5 to 9kg, with a very long "neck" (10-20 cm (4-8in)) that usually emerges above the ground and elongates over the years to form a short, stout stem. Its foliage is evergreen if temperatures do not drop below -1°C (30.2°F). Its leaves are shiny, fleshy, 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) wide and up to 1.50 m (5ft) long, spirally arranged at the top of the neck, with a texture like that of corn leaves. The entire foliage forms a clump which can reach 1.50m (5ft) to 2m (7ft) high. The flower stalks appear all year round in areas without frost; they barely protrude from the foliage. At their tips, they bear umbels of large white lily-like flowers with thin petals, opening successively in star-shaped trumpets. All the floral parts are white, except for the prominent purple filaments of the stamens.

Crinums live for many years (20 and more), without needing to be replanted, forming large clumps over time. With good fertilisation and regular watering in summer, the vegetation of Crinum asiaticum becomes very impressive, with a long flowering period until the first cold weather. If the climate in your region is mild, you can plant it in the ground, in a sunny location, in soil that retains moisture. It pairs well with Ethiopian arum, gunnera, or osmunds at the edge of a pond. This plant is fabulous for creating large pots on the terrace or balcony from May to October, or near an entrance.