Giant Crinum Lily (Crinum augustum)

Giant Crinum Lily

Crinum augustum

Its towering blooms carry sweet fragrance through summer nights. Bulbous flowering perennial; common name: Giant Crinum Lily.

Full sun
1–2/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full to partial sun; provide afternoon shade in hot arid regions to prevent leaf scorching, avoid deep full shade
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Watering Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil dries out; avoid waterlogging the bulb to prevent rot
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Temperature Thrives in warm tropical to subtropical temperatures; protect from frost below 10°C, can tolerate brief dips to 5°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Long, strap-like glossy green leaves up to 1.5 m in length, arching outward from the central bulb
  • Flower: Umbel of 10–20 white trumpet-shaped blooms with subtle pinkish stripes on outer petals, highly fragrant
  • Bulb: Large fleshy underground bulb with thick fibrous roots for moisture storage
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Feed with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Stop fertilizing in late autumn to allow the bulb to enter dormancy

Banana peel compost tea:Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 for root drench to support healthy flowering and bulb growth
Pruning
  • Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy to bulb development
  • Trim brown or yellowing leaf tips to maintain a neat appearance
  • Thin overcrowded bulb offsets in early spring to improve airflow and reduce competition
  • Cut back dead foliage in late autumn to eliminate pest and disease habitat
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic due to lycorine alkaloids; may cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy

Humans: Ingestion of plant material causes mild gastrointestinal upset including nausea and diarrhea

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes purity and gentle renewal in tropical garden design traditions

Usage: Ornamental garden focal point; fragrant cut flower for floral arrangements