The Southern String Lily, also known as Crinum americanum, is a beautiful and unique perennial plant. Here are some key details about this plant:
Description:
- The Southern String Lily features white, spidery blooms that can sometimes have a pink blush. The flowers are fragrant and lily-like, with white petals and purple anthers. The plant has simple leaves that can grow up to 4 feet long and 3 inches wide.
Growing Conditions:
- This plant is native to wetlands, swamps, marshes, and stream banks from South Carolina to Florida and west to Texas. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. The Southern String Lily thrives in moist to wet conditions and can be grown in water gardens, along streams, ponds, or bogs.
Care and Maintenance:
- Regular watering is essential, especially during the hot summer months. The plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. In areas with heavy frost during winter, it is recommended to mulch heavily to protect the bulbs. The plant can be propagated through division.
Special Features:
- The Southern String Lily is known for its low maintenance and high impact in gardens. It is drought-tolerant once established and resistant to deer. The plant is also salt-tolerant, making it suitable for coastal gardens. It attracts moths at night with its increased fragrance.