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CRINUM asiaticum var. japonicum

Image of Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum

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

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 8

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    9 - 13

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Bulb or Corm or Tuber

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m

  • Width

    4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m

  • Bloom Time

    Indeterminate

  • Native To

    Southeastern Asia, China, Japan

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Light Green, Ivory

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Light Green, Ivory

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Light Green, Ivory

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Light Green, Ivory

  • Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier

    SpottedMottled

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Bold

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No