Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
CRINUM asiaticum var. japonicum
Plant Common Name
Spotted Crinum Lily
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
The spotted crinum lily is a large, free-blooming, fragrant, bulbous perennial for warm climates or containers. This naturally occurring variety is native to extreme eastern Asia, from southern Japan southward into southeastern China and Taiwan. It grows and increases vigorously in suitable conditions, and blooms continuously as long as temperatures are sufficiently warm. In marginal regions, frost kills the leaves but the plant recovers and new leaves grow with the return of spring. Over time the bulb grows larger and the broad strap-shaped leaves emerge in a trunk-like mass that separates into individual flaring, arching, semi-glossy leaves. Leaf blades often reveal random ivory flecks for added ornateness. The bulb produces daughter bulbs freely and one plant eventually becomes an imposing mass. The thick succulent flower stems are topped by fountain-like clusters of large fragrant flowers with narrow widely-separated pure-white petals that account for one of its common names, spider lily. The petals curl backward, creating a ball-like effect that is highly ornate. All parts of the plant are toxic.
Spotted crinum lily grows and flowers best in full sun on moist soil that is rich in humus. Soil drainage may vary from average to well drained. Once it is well-established, the plant tolerates periods of dry conditions. It is used as a specimen plant for its size and sculptural shape. Planted near the house, it slightly perfumes the local air. In a container, it needs full sun and regular watering during growth.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 8
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 13
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Width
4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Southeastern Asia, China, Japan
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Light Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Light Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Light Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
SpottedMottled
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No