Crinum Lily (Crinum asiaticum) is a large, dramatic bulbous plant forming bold rosettes of long, fleshy, strap-shaped leaves topped by umbels of fragrant white-to-pink trumpet flowers. Sometimes called poison bulb or giant spider lily, it is tough, evergreen and well suited to India's heat and humidity. It works beautifully as a specimen, in mass plantings and along water features, thriving in sun or part shade with little care. The very large bulbs are long-lived and multiply into impressive clumps. All parts are toxic if eaten, so site it away from where children or pets might chew it.
Specifications
| Family |
Amaryllidaceae |
| Native region |
Tropical Asia |
| Mature height |
90-150 cm |
| Mature spread |
90-120 cm |
| Growth rate |
Moderate |
| Foliage |
Large, fleshy strap-shaped evergreen leaves |
| Flower colour |
White to pink-striped |
| Flower season |
Summer to monsoon |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering |
Regular; tolerates wet soil and brief dryness |
| Soil / mix |
Rich, well-drained loam; adaptable |
| Temperature |
20-38 C; heat-loving |
| Humidity |
Moderate to high |
| Fertilizer |
Balanced feed 2-3 times in growing season |
| Pruning |
Remove spent flowers and tatty old leaves |
| Repotting |
Rarely needed; divide large clumps if wanted |
| Propagation |
Bulb offsets and division |
| Pests & problems |
Lily borer caterpillar, mealybugs; rot if waterlogged |
| Toxicity / safety |
All parts toxic if ingested; sap irritates skin |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
A bold landscape specimen for gardens, borders and pond edges; the large clumps make striking focal points and screens.
Growing tips
Plant the big bulbs with the neck above soil in spring; in India it thrives in full sun and flushes into bloom during the warm, rainy months.