Crinum powellii
Crinum powellii · Amaryllidaceae
⚠️ Crinum : bulbes et sève toxiques. Ingestion cause irritation buccale, vomissements, diarrhée chez chats, chiens, enfants.
The gardener's calendar
Crinum powellii is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Type
- Bulb
- Adult height
- Approximately 100 cm
- Flowering
- August to September
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Hardiness
- Moderate (-5 to 0 °C)
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Origin
- South Africa
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Crinum powellii needs sun and heat to flower well: plant in soil enriched with compost. Water regularly during growth, less in winter.
The common mistake
Planting it in partial shade or poor soil: very few flowers, the plant just vegetates.
The pro's trick
Divide the bulbs every 5-6 years in April before growth starts: each young bulb becomes floriferous again in 2 years and rejuvenates the clump.
Seasonal watch
In August-September before flowering, a sudden lack of water for 3-4 days can cause buds to abort: keep the soil moist without excess.
Care
Light
Powell's crinum thrives in full sun or partial shade. Give it at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. Locations with protection from intense wind are preferable, as the flower stems can be fragile.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist during the growing and flowering period (spring-autumn). Reduce watering in winter and ensure impeccable drainage to prevent bulb rot. In pots, let the surface dry slightly between waterings.
Soil
Choose well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix of potting soil, compost and coarse sand works perfectly. Crinum tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soils and appreciates good root aeration.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring when leaves emerge. Continue with monthly feeding until the end of flowering. Moderate phosphorus and potassium help promote better blooms.
Pruning and cleanup
Remove faded flowers to extend the flowering period. At season's end, cut flower stems at the base. Eliminate yellow or damaged leaves, but keep healthy foliage as long as possible to replenish the bulb's reserves.
Diseases and pests
Crinum is generally hardy. Watch for bulb rot if humidity is excessive or drainage is poor. Spider mites and mealybugs may appear in dry conditions; increase ambient humidity and inspect foliage regularly.
Did you know?
Powell's crinum is a natural hybrid born from the encounter between Crinum moorei and Amaryllis belladonna, discovered in South Africa and named in honor of British botanist Powell. Its large pale pink flowers, borne on majestic flower stems, make it a sight worthy of the most beautiful exotic gardens, particularly prized for its tropical appearance and generous flowering in late summer.
Where to buy it
Plant the bulbs in autumn for spring flowering. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: from September to November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- OnionAllium cepa
- Belladonna lilyAmaryllis belladonna
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.