Crinum americanum (Florida Swamp Fly, Southern Swamp Fly, Spider Lily)


Botanical Information

FamilyAmaryllidaceae
GenusCrinum
Speciesamericanum
CategoryBulbs, Perennials, Tropicals
OriginSouthern United States of America.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8 - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1c to H5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-15 - 10
Temperature (°F)5 - 50
Height0.6 - 0.9 m
Spread0.3 - 0.6 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJune, July, August, September

Description and Growing Information

LandscapeMoist to wet areas of the landscape including water gardens, pond peripheries, borders and foundation areas.
PropagationDivision of bulb clumps and seed.
CultivationBest grown in full sun to part shade with wet, organically rich soils. Will also grow in standing water up to 2 m. Will also perform well in moderately moist soils in gardens.
PestsGrasshoppers, mealybugs, nematodes, slugs, snails and leaf scorch.
Notable SpecimensCentennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatWetlands, swamps, marshes, wet hammocks and stream banks.
Flower DescriptionShowy, fragrant and similar to lilies in appearance, 10 cm wide and 10 cm long. Scapes are leafless, 60 - 90 cm long and have umbels with 2 - 6 flowers each.
Colour DescriptionFlower petals are white or blushed pink, with stamps that are pink to red.

Photographs