Culture
Crinum is easily grown in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. North of USDA Zone 9, plants are usually grown in large containers and brought inside in winter. Plant bulbs in pots/containers that are at least two inches larger in diameter than the bulbs. Bulbs like to be pot-bound. Set bulb in the container soil with the neck exposed. Keep soils moist and fertilize plants regularly during the growing season. After bloom, reduce watering so that soils dry out between waterings. Bring containers inside in fall before first frost for overwintering in a greenhouse, sunroom or other cool (50-55°F), dry, frost-free location. Increase watering in spring as plant shows signs of new growth. Although plants technically can be grown in the ground in St. Louis by planting the bulbs in late spring and lifting them in fall in somewhat the same manner as for dahlias, this is generally not considered good practice because crinum roots do not like to be disturbed and once disturbed plants may not bloom for another 2-3 years.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Crinum jagus is a tender perennial bulb in the Amaryllis family that is native to tropical Africa. Tulip-like white flowers bloom in clusters in summer atop leafless stalks typically rising to 2-3’ tall from a clump of strap-shaped green leaves. Some flowers are fragrant, but other have little aroma. Crinum bulbs typically taper into elongated necks.
Genus name comes from the Greek word krinon meaning lily.
Specific epithet is a gardener's corruption of gigas, which means giant.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Borders, containers, houseplant. Good accent.