|Crinum procerum var. splendens floral detail|
Join me, won’t you, in the visual splendor of something so romantic, so tropically captivating, so enticing. Pictured before you is a plant of paradise from far away lands (Malaysia); where the trade winds blow warm breezes and tropical birds call to one another in the refuge of lush wilderness. Close your eyes and imagine yourself there surrounded by stems of these flowers. Feel yourself falling under the spell of Crinum procerum var. splendens also known as the Grand Crinum Lily or Spider Lily. The picture above was taken after a warm rain in my back garden. Notice how the raindrops have formed a nectary tide pool in the center of this gorgeous tropical flower. This did not go unnoticed by the hummingbirds who soon came calling to drink from this newfound spring. This to me is an image of paradise and pleasure.
|Crinum procerum var. splendens foliage, flower, and form|
Not only is the flower of Crinum procerum var. splendens beautiful, but it produces one of the most heavenly scents. The spidery tropical blossoms emit a light, hypnotizing fragrance that reminds me of the delicately soft tones of a lilac perfume.
Crinum procerum var. splendens is a large bulb. It sends up somewhat rigid strap-leafed foliage. The foliage is the color of rich burgundy with nuances of moss green. This strap-leafed foliage grows 3 to 4 feet tall and arches as wide. In autumn and intermittently throughout the year, a thick stem will rise holding a plump bud filled with a cluster of narrow, trumpet-like furls of flowers that open into a delicate array of white petals blushed in diaphanous wine color. This lily can handle growing in sun or shade, likes well-draining soil, regular water, and is hardy down to about 25 degrees fahrenheit/-3 degrees celsius. Crinum procerum var. splendens looks amazing massed in the ground or as a specimen in a container. I have seen them growing in large swathes outside Lihue Airport in Kaua’i; a carpet of tropical foliage and bloom. I will always hold this image of paradise in my mind, which is one reason why I grow it in my garden.
