Overview

Crinum × powellii 'Haarlemense' is a bulbous perennial in the genus Crinum, part of the Amaryllidaceae family. Crinum × powellii 'Haarlemense' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral to slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers, water gardens and tropical-themed gardens.

About

Crinum × powellii 'Haarlemense' is a bulbous perennial in the Amaryllidaceae grown for its fragrant summer flowers. It performs in full sun to partial shade on fertile, neutral to slightly acidic soil that stays moist but drains freely. The plant is hardy (H5) and suits both sheltered and more exposed positions. All parts are toxic if ingested, so site it away from children and pets.

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

Crinum × powellii 'Haarlemense' belongs to the bulbous Amaryllidaceae and is cultivated for its perfumed summer flowering. Flowering occurs from July to September, when the bulbs send up flower stems that carry the scented blooms above the leaves. The cultivar is used where a strong summer scent is required rather than as a foliage specimen. Give the Haarlem Crinum a sunny to part-shaded spot in rich, well-drained soil that remains on the moist side; neutral to slightly acidic conditions suit it best. It tolerates exposed positions as well as sheltered ones, and its H5 rating means it is hardy in most of the UK. Plant bulbs where they will not sit in waterlogged ground and ensure the soil contains decent organic matter to retain moisture without compaction. Use it in mixed borders, in large containers, at pond margins or in tropical-themed beds where a summer perfume is welcome. Because the plant is toxic if eaten, avoid planting where children or pets play. Expect fragrant heads in July to September, a seasonal feature that rewards patience with scent rather than foliage spectacle.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Crinum

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained, fertile

Soil pH

neutral to slightly acidic

Soil moisture

moist but well-drained

Exposure

sheltered to exposed

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Crinum × powellii 'Haarlemense' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

bulbous perennial

Suggested uses

borders, containers, water gardens, tropical-themed gardens

Fragrance

fragrant

Toxicity

toxic if ingested

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Crinum × powellii 'Haarlemense'

Cultivation

Plant bulbs in spring or autumn; prefers sheltered, frost-free sites; mulch in winter in colder areas.

Pruning

Remove spent flower stalks and dead leaves to maintain appearance.

Propagation

Division of bulbs

Frequently asked questions

More in the Crinum genus

• 
  Crinum longifolium
• 
  Crinum powellii 'Album'
• 
  Crinum × powelliiswamp lily
• 
  Crinum × powellii 'Ellen Bosanquet'Ellen Bosanquet Crinum
• 
  Crinum × powellii 'Krelagei'