Overview
Crinum moorei is a bulbous perennial in the genus Crinum, part of the Amaryllidaceae family. Crinum moorei grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers and water gardens. It is native to South Africa.
About
Crinum moorei is a bulbous perennial in the Amaryllidaceae that produces fragrant summer flowers from July to September. Native to South Africa, it prefers a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade. It grows best in fertile, well-drained soil that stays moist rather than waterlogged. The bulbs are ornamental and should not be eaten, so wear gloves when handling.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Crinum moorei
About the genus
Crinum is a genus of about 180 species of perennial plants that have large showy flowers on leafless stems, and develop from bulbs. They are found in seasonally moist areas, including marshes, swamps, depressions and along the sides of streams and lakes in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide.
Wikipedia contributors, "Crinum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Crinum
In the garden
A member of the Amaryllidaceae native to South Africa, Crinum moorei is a bulbous perennial prized for its fragrant displays through July to September. The scent makes it useful where you sit or pass by, while the long summer flowering period gives seasonal structure to borders and containers. Plant in a sunny or partly shaded spot with fertile, well-drained soil; the species tolerates neutral to slightly acidic or slightly alkaline conditions and prefers soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Give a sheltered situation to reduce winter exposure: hardiness rating H4 equates to average garden hardiness in the UK, so plants survive most winters but can need protection in exposed sites. Use Crinum moorei at the back of mixed borders, in large containers on a protected patio, or at the margins of water gardens where soil remains moist yet drains. The bulbs are ornamental rather than edible—handle with gloves and other protective equipment—and the same warning applies for pets; see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Crinum
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic, slightly alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Crinum moorei size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- bulbous perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, containers, water gardens
- Native to
- South Africa
- Fragrance
- fragrant
- Toxicity
- Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Crinum moorei
- Cultivation
- Plant bulbs in spring in well-drained soil. Water regularly during growing season. Protect from frost in colder climates.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to maintain appearance.
- Propagation
- Division of bulbs after flowering or from seed.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Crinum moorei?
Plant bulbs in spring in well-drained soil. Water regularly during growing season. Protect from frost in colder climates.
Where is the best place to plant Crinum moorei?
Crinum moorei prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Crinum moorei need?
Crinum moorei grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Crinum moorei?
Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to maintain appearance.
Is Crinum moorei hardy in the UK?
Crinum moorei has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Crinum moorei?
Division of bulbs after flowering or from seed.
Is Crinum moorei toxic?
Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Ornamental bulbs - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.
More in the Crinum genus
- Crinum longifolium
- Crinum powellii 'Album'
- Crinum × powelliiswamp lily
- Crinum × powellii 'Ellen Bosanquet'Ellen Bosanquet Crinum
- Crinum × powellii 'Haarlemense'Haarlem Crinum
- Crinum × powellii 'Krelagei'