Crinum x powellii Roseum

Crinum x powellii 'Roseum' is undoubtedly the most easily cultivated swamp lily under our climates. This magnificent hybrid bulbous plant takes its time to establish itself, but the gardener's patience will be rewarded with a stunning and spectacular pink flowering. From summer to autumn (depending on the climate), tall flower stalks emerge from a clump of long ribbon-like leaves. The stalks carry up to 15 pink flowers resembling those of amaryllis. Despite its exotic appearance, it is hardy when grown in well-drained soil. The plant grows over time to become truly majestic. Provide a carpet of iberis, cerastium, or alyssum to fill the space left in winter.

Crinum x powellii is a horticultural hybrid created in England in the 19th century. It is the result of crossing two South African species, C. bulbispermum and C. moorei. All these plants belong to the Amaryllidaceae family. Its growth is quite slow. The flowering, which can appear on relatively young plants, will reach its full potential after about 5 years of cultivation. This plant spreads through underground bulblets. Eventually, it can occupy 80 cm (32in) to 1m (3ft) of space on the ground and will bear its flowers at 80cm (32in) above the ground.

The 'Roseum' form distinguishes itself with its more pronounced pink flowering and more open flowers when fully bloomed. The plant develops in clumps from a large pear-shaped bulb, terminated by a neck formed by the overlapping of the base of the leaves. This reserve organ can eventually reach a diameter of 15cm (6in). The foliage develops in spring. It consists of long, flexible ribbon-like leaves with parallel veins, of a light and vivid green. Each leaf can measure up to 80cm (32in) to 1.2m (4ft) in length. They are sheathing at the base, arranged all around a central axis, which distinguishes the crinum from its cousin, Amaryllis belladonna, whose leaves are arranged in 2 ranks. Flowering generally begins in late summer, in August-September. Each mature bulb produces 2 to 3 flower stalks, on average 80cm (32in) tall. Each flower stalk carries an umbel of up to 15 trumpet-shaped, flared flowers, 10 to 13cm (4 to 5in) long and wide. Each flower is composed of 6 slightly soft petals, candy pink in colour, surrounding a prominent cluster of stamens. Their fragrance is light, with hints of vanilla and orange. Crinum roots very deeply in the soil and does not like to be disturbed.

Its bulb can withstand -12°C (10.4°F) with protective mulch. It can therefore be grown in the ground in many regions if care is taken to choose a warm and sheltered exposure and to plant it in well-drained soil that is not too wet in winter. Planted at the base of a south-facing wall in cooler regions is ideal. In milder regions, it will be spectacular in a large bed, in the company of agapanthus, daylilies, and phormium. It will also look splendid on the banks of a water feature, with dierama, or Gomphostigma virgatum 'White Candy', for example. Since its vegetation disappears in winter, the empty space can be filled with iberis, for example. Narcissus or snowdrops can also be placed at its base. It adapts well to cultivation in a large pot, which allows it to be stored in winter in our coldest regions.