Overview
Crinum × powellii is a perennial bulbous plant in the genus Crinum, part of the Amaryllidaceae family. Crinum × powellii grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soil soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, water margins and ornamental garden plant. It is native to Hybrid species and not native to a specific region.
About
Crinum × powellii is a perennial bulbous plant in the Amaryllidaceae that produces strongly scented summer flowers. It flowers from July to September and grows from bulbs in moist, well-drained soil. Suitable in full sun or partial shade, it is hardy to H5. Bulbs are ornamental only and should not be eaten; wear gloves when handling.
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 hybrid within the genus Crinum, Crinum × powellii is a perennial bulbous plant valued for its summer display and fragrant blooms. It does not have a single native range, being of hybrid origin, and its habit develops from bulbs rather than woody stems. Plant it in moist, well-drained soil with plenty of light: full sun encourages more flowering, while partial shade will suit cooler or more exposed sites. The species tolerates both sheltered and exposed positions and carries an H5 hardiness rating, meaning it is considered hardy in UK gardens. Handle the bulbs with care—do not eat them, and wear gloves and other protective equipment when lifting or dividing. For risks to pets and further advice, consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for contact numbers and detailed guidance. Crinum × powellii works well at the back of mixed borders, beside water margins where soil remains damp, or close to paths and seating areas so its scented flowers can be appreciated during the flowering season from July to September.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Crinum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- Moist, well-drained soil
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- Exposure
- Sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Crinum × powellii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial bulbous plant
- Suggested uses
- Borders, water margins, ornamental garden plant
- Native to
- Hybrid species, not native to a specific region
- Fragrance
- Flower
- 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 × powellii
- Cultivation
- Plant bulbs in spring or autumn; prefers moist soil; mulch in winter in colder areas.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower stalks and dead leaves to maintain appearance.
- Propagation
- Division of bulbs
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Crinum × powellii?
Plant bulbs in spring or autumn; prefers moist soil; mulch in winter in colder areas.
Where is the best place to plant Crinum × powellii?
Crinum × powellii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.
What soil does Crinum × powellii need?
Crinum × powellii grows best in moist and well-drained soil soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Crinum × powellii?
Remove spent flower stalks and dead leaves to maintain appearance.
Is Crinum × powellii hardy in the UK?
Crinum × powellii has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Crinum × powellii?
Division of bulbs.
Is Crinum × powellii 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 × powellii 'Ellen Bosanquet'Ellen Bosanquet Crinum
- Crinum × powellii 'Haarlemense'Haarlem Crinum
- Crinum × powellii 'Krelagei'