Crinum x powellii

Crinum x powellii is a cross between Crinum bulbispermum, the Orange River lily and Crinum moorei, the Natal Lily. It has large fragrant bell-shaped flowers that are pale pink and held aloft on scapes that can be as much as 1.5m tall. It's foliage is lush and exuberant, with long strap-like leaves that can cover a large area as the plant clumps. It is hardier than it is often given credit for and should be left undisturbed with a thick mulch. In the wild, the two parent species usually grow with the long necks of their elongated bulb protruding above the surface and this is the usual advice for planting them, however, it does not hurt them to be planted a little deeper and this is useful winter protection along with a generous mulch in late autumn. Both parent species tend to grow in damper, wetter soils; along the edges of rivers and in the margins of swamps and bogs. This is a habitat that tends to match the British weather and plants respond well to damper patches and regular waterings in the summer months. To ensure the bulbs don't rot, however, it's sensible to bed them in a little sharp sand or grit. They enjoy full sun, plenty of space to expand into and and a good rich soil that has enough depth for its large bulbs to thrive in.

Slugs and snails arn't deterred by the toxic alkaloids in the leaves and the most critical time is just as the new leaves are emerging. A little time taken to keep them under control pays dividends and gives the plants a chance to establish. As the season progresses the large clumps of foliage tend to harbour the pesky molluscs and regular patrols during wet weather are a good idea.