Description
What is Crinum Alba?
Crinum alba is a robust, bulbous perennial from the Amaryllidaceae family, admired for its large, fragrant white blooms and lush foliage. Native to South Africa, Crinum alba adds exotic charm to garden beds, borders, or containers. It blooms from late summer through autumn, making it an ideal focal point.
Crinum alba produces tall flower spikes, reaching up to 1 metre, with trumpet-shaped white blossoms. These beautiful flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity. Its large, strappy leaves grow in a rosette shape, adding a tropical touch to the landscape.
Suitable Climates
Crinum alba can be grown in all climates but thrives in warm temperate, Mediterranean, semi-arid, arid, subtropical, and tropical climates. It is frost-sensitive and may struggle in harsh frosts. To protect it during winter, it’s best grown in pots that can be moved into a greenhouse or conservatory. Alternatively, if planted in the ground, bulbs can be dug up and placed in pots over winter to avoid frost damage. However, since Crinum alba prefers to be planted in a semi-permanent position, it will take time to establish again if moved.
Dormancy and Growing Seasons
Crinum alba remains evergreen in warmer climates but goes dormant in cooler regions, typically in winter. If the plant stays evergreen, maintain regular care and watering. If you notice signs of dormancy—such as yellowing foliage or wilting—reduce watering and allow it to rest in a cool, dry place until spring. This helps the bulbs conserve energy, preparing them for vibrant growth and flowering as warmer months return.
Planting Guide
Time: Plant Crinum alba from March to November to allow sufficient time for root establishment.
Cooler Climates (Pots): Use large, deep pots with well-draining potting soil enriched with compost. Place in a part shade spot and move to a sheltered area during winter. Plant bulbs with their necks just below the soil surface, and water lightly after planting.
Warmer and Arid Climates (Garden Beds): Plant in a semi-permanent, partly shaded, and well-drained location. Prepare the soil a few weeks before planting with well-rotted manure. Space bulbs at least 60 cm apart to allow for mature growth, placing them with their necks just below the soil surface and watering lightly.
Aftercare for Crinum Alba
Once established, Crinum alba is low maintenance:
Watering: Water regularly during the blooming season to keep the soil moist but well-drained. While drought-tolerant once established, it prefers consistent moisture during blooming and growing periods, requiring occasional watering during dry spells or if it remains evergreen. If it goes dormant, reduce watering. Let the soil dry slightly to conserve energy.
Fertilising: Apply a general-purpose fertiliser every spring as new growth emerges to support foliage and flowering.
Mulching: In warmer or semi-arid climates, apply mulch to keep moisture in during dry periods and insulate the roots from temperature fluctuations.
Dividing Crinum Alba
Crinum alba performs best when left undisturbed but may need division every few years if bulbs become overcrowded or flowering declines:
When to Divide: Divide in late autumn or spring during dormancy.
How to Divide: Gently lift the bulbs and separate the offsets by hand. Replant immediately or wait until early spring in cooler regions. Minimise disturbance, as Crinum alba takes time to establish after being moved.
Storage
If Crinum alba bulbs cannot be planted immediately, store them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Avoid damp spaces and check bulbs periodically to ensure they remain firm and dry.
Pests and Diseases
Crinum alba is generally resistant to pests, though slugs and snails may target young shoots. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues, especially in humid conditions.
Toxicity
Crinum alba contains alkaloids that are toxic if ingested by humans or pets. Keep bulbs and plants out of reach of children and pets, and wear gloves if you have sensitive skin.
CAUTION: Harmful if eaten.
Supplied as dormant bulbs.